318 vehicles took to the start line for Monday’s 454km route from Asuncion in Paraguay to Resistencia in Argentina with a special 39km timed prologue on Paraguayan soil.

With the starting order for Tuesday up for grabs, the drivers and riders had to navigate a narrow tricky circuit with broken terrain and sharp 90 degree turns which made for an exciting morning with mistakes inevitable.

Car

Two-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah had an eventful start to his race. After storming around the circuit in a time of 25.41 to take first place, smoke filled the air around the finish line as an oil leak combined with the intense heat on the stage caused a small fire to break out in the front left wheel case of his Toyota Hilux. He came to a halt shortly afterwards and had to be towed by teammate Giniel de Villiers, who had finished fifth, 30km to the nearest bivouac.

He said afterwards: “We did great to win the stage, but soon after we saw the smoke coming from our car. We caught fire and we stopped it which was big for us as otherwise we lose completely the car. A small pipe was broken which meant oil sprayed on the exhaust. There is not a lot of damage but we were scared to start the engine again and maybe get a bigger problem. Our mechanics will work on it tonight and we will be back on the road again tomorrow.”

Carlos Sainz leads the Team Peugeot contingent in fourth with Sebastien Loeb in sixth and defending champion Stephane Peterhansel in 12th.

Loeb said: “It was a bumpy, tricky route today and I don’t think it was the best conditions for our car. But it was fine and we got through the day the best we could, there’s still a long way to go.”

Cyril Despres said: “The stage started with a three kilometre straight over lots of rocks and that was a real battle. It was important not to make any mistakes today and we managed to avoid making any – that’s all you can do on a first stage.”

Peterhansel said: “The general speed was a little too high for me today so I decided to drive at a pace I was comfortable with. The stage was similar to races I have done in Brazil, I enjoyed it and the car was feeling great.”

The outsiders looked to have stolen the show on the prologue with a confident Xavier de Soultrait appearing to take the honours in front of Joan Pedrero and Ricky Brabec. His time of 28.20 was the fastest of the day, however, he was later stripped and demoted nine places after a speeding violation meaning Pedrero will start in the lead on Tuesday. Red Bull KTM Factory Team duo Matthias Walkner and Sam Sunderland are inside the top 10 while last year’s winner Toby Price was one minute and 25 seconds back in 17th.

Price said: “We got the job done today of starting the rally off in Paraguay. I opened the road today and that’s never easy on a Dakar stage. There was some wildlife out on the stage so I had to be careful to avoid that.”

Walkner said: “I tried to find a good rhythm and I think I got a spot in the Top 10 so it’s been a fine day’s work. There were plenty of hazards on the course such as deep rivers to cross so getting to the finish in a good position feels great.”

]]>marcelkrebs@sport-heute.ch (x-raid)REPORTMon, 02 Jan 2017 08:24:12 +0100​​D-1: A new adventure is just around the cornerhttp://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/reportmix/5199-d-1-a-new-adventure-is-just-around-the-corner
http://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/reportmix/5199-d-1-a-new-adventure-is-just-around-the-corner

Key points

318 vehicles (144 motorcycles, 37 quads, 87 cars including 10 SSVs, and 50 trucks) and a total of 501 competitors were cleared to start the 39th edition of the Dakar at the end of the technical and administrative scrutineering.

The drivers, riders and crews will go head-to-head tomorrow in the rally's only Paraguayan special, a 38.5 km stage which will provide the first snapshot of where everyone stands.

Before that, the adventurers will feel the warmth of tens of thousands of fans during the presentation ceremony along the Paraguay river this evening.

There are no hangovers at the Dakar camp! The New Year celebrations were clearly a quiet affair, at least for those competitors who had an early appointment at Ñu Guazú Air Base, which has hosted the technical scrutineering for the last three days. The Yamaha riders were among the last to undergo the checks and are determined to end KTM's 15-year hegemony. That is, at least, what Hélder Rodrigues hopes. Last year's fifth-placed rider believes that "the team is much stronger this year". The Portuguese refers mainly to the potential of Adrien Van Beveren, who finished sixth in his debut but has kept his feet firmly on the ground: "I'm still a novice", says the three-time winner of the Enduro du Touquet humbly. The other positive surprise of the 2016 Dakar, Mikko Hirvonen, is just as modest, knowing that the characteristics of the 2017 course do not work in his favour: "It looks like there'll be more off-track sections than on last year's course, which suited me to a tee. It'll be much harder to achieve such a great result [4th]." The Finn is spearheading the X-Raid team along with "Orly" Terranova and Yazeed Al-Rajhi, hoping to put a Mini back on the top step of the final podium...

With the grand finale still two weeks away, Hirvonen and the rest of the field are ready to live the excitement of a start podium which promises to turn the heat on! Although temperatures remain high in Asunción, Paraguay's passion for motor sports is what will really make the atmosphere on the banks of the Paraguay river caliente. The presentation ceremony, which will take place near the presidential palace, is expected to attract massive crowds of fans out in force to cheer the competitors on. They will need lots of cheering if they are to last the 9,000 km trek to Buenos Aires. The race will get under way with a 38 km timed special tomorrow morning... followed by a 415 km connection to Resistencia, Argentina. Once at the border crossing, the most sentimental among them will cast a final glance at the flag of Paraguay, while the most well-informed will point out that it is the only national flag in the world whose reverse differs from the obverse: the coat of arms on one side, and the motto Paz y Justicia on the other.

December the 31h, 2016With just hours to go before the start of the 2017 Dakar on Monday, January 2, in Asuncion, Paraguay, Team Peugeot Total has its sights set on a repeat of the triumph it secured on the 2016 event. Stéphane PETERHANSEL, Carlos SAINZ, Cyril DESPRES, Sébastien LOEB and their respective co-drivers are eager for action to kick off in their brand-new PEUGEOT 3008DKRs which face a total distance of some 9, 000km and potentially one of the toughest Dakars on record.

• Like itspredecessor, the 2008DKR, and unlike its 4x4 opponents, the PEUGEOT 3008DKR featurestwo-wheel drive transmission. Compared with last year’s winning car, the 3008DKRstands out through numerous evolutions to the engine, suspension andaerodynamics. Also new is its air-conditioning system which has been designedto keep the team’s crews cool and competitive in hot weather.

• The fourTeam Peugeot Total-entered PEUGEOT 3008DKRs arrived in Asunción, Paraguay, onThursday, December 29. Three of them were freighted via Argentina from PeugeotSport’s base in Vélizy, near Paris, France, while Cyril DESPRES’ car arrivedfrom Chile after high-altitude engine-mapping bench testing earlier this month.

• Ahead ofscrutineering, Team Peugeot Total organised a shakedown test for its cars atthe Ruben Dumot Autodrome, in the suburbs of Asuncion. The small group ofspectators included France’s ambassador to Paraguay and former tennis star VictorPecci who is today the country’s Minister of Sport.

• After pre-start scrutineering and a ceremonialsend-off in front of what is expected to be a huge turnout on January 1, thefour PEUGEOT 3008DKRs will remain in parc ferme until the start at 9am onMonday, January 2.

“QUOTE, UNQUOTE...”

Bruno FAMIN

“Our shakedowntest enabled us to finetune the last few details and finish the preparation ofour cars and spares. It was also a good opportunity for our drivers to findtheir marks before the start. We succeeded in ticking off all the jobs thatwere on our list but you can never claim to be completely ready for the Dakar, simply because you never know what the event is going to throw at you. Theweather is always a key factor, of course, and it looks like it will beunsettled for the first few days, with a cocktail of storms and heat. Thatcould play a big role and we are naturally also wary of the two other factoryteams we face this year, namely Mini and Toyota. We are perhaps a little warierof the latter due to the changes to the balance of performance regulations whichaffect the diesel turbo and petrol engines. It is also represented by somestrong crews so the competition promises to be fiercer than ever. The event islikely to be highly complex, too, as a result of modifications to the navigationregulations.”

Stéphane PETERHANSEL (PEUGEOT3008 DKR #300)

“I think wehave worked well all year and stacked up as many cards in our favour aspossible, both on the human and technical fronts. This event is neverstraightforward, of course, but I don’t feel under any particular pressure. Ijust want to get started! My aim is to have fun driving the new PEUGEOT 3008DKRwhich has changed in several areas compared with the 2008DKR. That’s a goodthing because the Dakar has become more of an out-and-out sprint than a desert marathon.I am curious to see what the effect of spending so much time at high altitudesin Bolivia will be. That’s something that will be new for everyone. Having airconditioning will be a plus. It was very hot and humid during our shakedowntest but the system fulfilled its role perfectly. It’s great to have it, interms of both comfort and performance.”

Carlos SAINZ (PEUGEOT 3008DKR #304)

“We havethe speed. After all the work we have done this year, I can’t wait to getstarted here in Paraguay. I think we have worked in the right direction withthe 3008DKR. It appears to be more reliable than last year’s car and perhapseven a little faster despite the engine air restrictor we have had to fit tocomply with the regulations. It’s difficult to have an opinion about the routesince we only have a global overview for the moment. We will just have to bepatient because you never really know what the Dakar is going to throw up. Everyoneseems to think the stages will be hard and my experience tells me to becautious.”

Cyril DESPRES (PEUGEOT3008 DKR #307)

“I’mdelighted to be taking part in the Dakar on four wheels for the third time, andfor the 17th time in total. I feel a little more reassured because Iam beginning to get a really good feel for the car. Winning last summer’s SilkWay Rally and running at the front of the field on the Rallye du Maroc gave mea chance to explore its limits even more. I feel in great shape, both mentallyand physically. I have less experience than the others on four wheels so Iparticularly appreciate the fact that the 3008DKR has been made even morestable thanks to the work that has been done on the chassis and suspension. It’sa factor that is perhaps less critical for my team-mates but it’s important formy confidence. The stages will naturally be a huge challenge, with high altitudesin Bolivia, followed by sand dunes and bush in Argentina during the second week.It’s got the makings of being a hard Dakar for the co-drivers, too. Thewaypoint controls are a fresh parameter they will quickly need to get a graspof.”

Sébastien LOEB (PEUGEOT3008 DKR #309)

“Last year, practically everything about the Dakar was new for Daniel and me. We tended tobe stronger on the tracks and trails but there was room for improvementwhenever we strayed off road. We consequently worked very hard during 2016, especially on the Silk Way Rally which brought us some valuable experience lastsummer. I hope that will be enough for us to be competitive both on the WRC-stylestages and off road. Compared with the 2008DKR, the PEUGEOT 3008DKR is globallya little better in every area. A great deal of work has gone into the engineand suspension, as well as into the car’s electronic systems to cure the minor issueswe had from time to time last year. The engine has improved but we will bepenalised by the air restrictor dictated by the latest technical regulations. Thatsaid, we still have plenty of suspension travel to be able to soak up the roughterrain and travel at speed over rough ground. I feel quite relaxed but I amacutely aware of the fact that the Dakar lasts two weeks and there will nodoubt be plenty of surprises. We therefore need to stay focused and take eachday as it comes. We will try to do our best all the way and we’ll see what sortof result that lands us at the finish...”

HOWTO RECOGNISE THE FOUR 3008DKRs...

The four3008DKRs can be recognised by their competition number and the colour of thestrip on the air intake over the cockpit:

With four days to go before the opening stage and on the eve of the beginning of the technical and administrative verifications, 316 vehicles are awaited in Asunción for the 39th edition.

- The vehicles coming from Europe have disembarked in Argentina. They put in a first liaison of around 1,200 kilometres to reach the Paraguayan capital city.

The days leading up to the start of the Dakar are for many filled with last-minute anxieties, small adjustments and a long wait that comes to an end. They have been very busy for those who have already put in the kilometres before the start.

There is already an atmosphere of voyage in the air. The Grande Francia, which made the three-week trip across the Atlantic transporting more than 600 vehicles from Le Havre (organization, media, race and assistance included), has been empty now for a week. While all the bikes and quads were routed towards Asunción by a parade of tractor-trailers, the cars quietly awaited their owners, invited to pick them up for the past two days.

While the majority of the cars and trucks in the fight for the top spots were retrieved by their assistance crews who will look after their well-being throughout the rally, some drivers went themselves to the port of Zarate, near Buenos Aires, to take on a healthy portion of the 1,200 kilometres! Gerard de Rooy, who never loses sight of his Iveco for very long, led the procession of his team, not behind the wheel of his truck but rather in a 4x4 that will follow during the rally. The route was even longer for Joan Font and even more so for his team mate Oriol Vidal in the transporting of their SSVs towards Paraguay. The number 373 Yamaha suffered its first setback just before the half-way point break scheduled by the organizers. “It took us longer than we thought it would to get to Santa Fé, because we had a fuel pick up problem, which forced to make several stops. In the end, we slept very little and took a quick shower at the hotel before continuing on”, explained co-driver Santi Navarro, who was still at the Paraguay border in the afternoon.

Getting to Asunción could be a bit laborious for some Europeans... it was also for certain "neighbours", who’s journey was significantly longer to reach the Paraguayan capital. This was the case for Marco Bulacia who rode nearly 1,500 kilometres from Santa Cruz in Bolivia. “I am already relieved just to get here; you could say that with such a long ‘liaison’, the Dakar has already begun for us!” Those coming for example from Santiago put more than 2,000 kilometres on their machines before taking the start...but they are from the record. Among those who have had to travel the longest distance, first place goes to Lyndon Poskitt who is returning to the rally after finishing 46th in 2013. The Englishman arrived in Asuncion after a long tour of the Americas on a nearly three month ride starting in Alaska. On his bike, that deserves some rest, Lyndon set off on his KTM crossing the continent, from Texas to Brazil by way of Mexico, and a crossing of the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. While he has already totalled more than the 9,000km of the Dakar route, the hardest part is still to come.

The organisers of The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, which took place in Home Park Private, Windsor Castle, in May 2016 are to donate £1.2 million to Commonwealth, service and equine charities it was announced today.

Over 900 horses, 1,500 participants from around the world and stars from stage and screen participated in the four night event which was attended by members of the Royal Family each night, with the final night being watched by Her Majesty The Queen. The display showcased the remarkable life of The Queen, from her birth in 1926, through World War Two, to Her Coronation in 1953 and a reign spanning more than 60 years. It was watched by over 7 million people on ITV.

£1.2million was raised through ticket sales and generous contributions from businesses and organisations and the surplus will be split between 10 charities, which reflect many of the The Queen’s interests.

The smallest equine charities are some of the beneficiaries, including The Welsh Pony and Cob Society, The Cleveland Bay Horse Society, The Fell Pony Society and The Highland Pony Society. The Queen is patron to each of these charities which work to regulate, promote and protect these valuable British breeds. The British Horse Society, The Animal Health Trust and World Horse Welfare are also equine beneficiaries.

In support of the British Armed Forces, SSAFA and The Royal British Legion are also amongst those supported by The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration. Both charities provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community; serving men and women, veterans, and their families.

Fittingly, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a charitable foundation with a mission to leave a lasting legacy for the Commonwealth, is the final organisation to benefit from the 90th Birthday Celebration, which saw musicians, riders and dancers from around the Commonwealth take part.

Sir Mike Rake, Chairman of the Event Committee and BT's Chairman, said: “It is quite incredible that a one-off event should not only give pleasure to millions of people but also raise this significant surplus. To everybody who took part, financially supported the event, including many British businesses, and those who organised this enormously complex project, we can all feel proud of our achievement and legacy.

"The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration will have long lasting benefit. Already the selected charities are telling us what they intend to do with the donation. For some it will mean a much needed office or land to enable endangered breeds to be supported. For others it will mean helping people and their ambitions.

"This is not the end. We expect a further surplus to be given following the finalisation of the accounts."

Livery revealed for the four-time World Rally Champion’s new M-Sport Ford Fiesta.

The design for the Frenchman’s ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta is no longer a secret as the British team ramp up their preparations for the Rallye Monte-Carlo in January.

Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia will sport an iconic and instantly recognisable Red Bull scheme as they bid to bring the glory days back to M-Sport and win their fifth WRC world title.

Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport Managing Director, said: “We are immensely proud of the Ford Fiesta WRC and those eye-catching new liveries will add the finishing touch. The test livery captured everyone’s imagination so we were keen to incorporate this alongside our valued partners both old and new.

“We can’t wait to see both cars attack the stages of Rallye Monte Carlo in their finalized designs.”

Watch all 13 rounds of the 2017 WRC live on Red Bull TV starting with the season-opening Rallye Monte Carlo 19-22 January.

The Olympia Grand Hall has closed its doors after another very successful week of world-class equestrian sport and international displays.

Over the seven days, 90,000 spectators took to their seats to enjoy Olympia, The London International Horse Show, and applaud memorable performances including the retirement of Charlotte Dujardin’s gold medal winning partner Valegro and a home victory for Scott Brash in the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier presented by H&M. British Dressage’s own Superman, Carl Hester, did the double by claiming victories in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix and the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle, both supported by Horse & Hound, on the Tuesday and Wednesday evenings respectively. The FEI World Cup™ Carriage Driving supported by Dodson & Horrell was won by the Boyd Exell, who once again proved he is still very much at the top of his game.

Other highlights of the event included The Shetland Pony Grand National which raised a phenomenal £38,500 for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. The international displays of Santi Serra, which involved impressive stunts with dogs and horses, and Pride of Portugal, who dance on Lusitanos to Justin Bieber, both made their Olympia debuts and proved to be a real hit with the crowd.

The Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund created an electric atmosphere as the country’s top jockeys put their hand to show jumping on the Friday evening. A typically flamboyant display of riding from Frankie Dettori clinched victory for his team of flat jockeys.

For those unable to attend the Show, live coverage on the BBC, FEI TV and the Olympia website allowed them to enjoy the action from the comfort of their home.

Away from the arena spectators enjoyed a revamp of the shopping village, making it the place to go for last minute Christmas gifts for the whole family.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward commented, “This year’s Show was a tremendous success with so many highlights. Not only did we have superb competition in Dressage, Driving and Show Jumping, but the entertainment was particularly memorable, with some great acts and sporting legends gracing the arena throughout the week. In addition, the retirement of Valegro was a very special moment and it was great to be able to celebrate our achievements in Rio with a medal parade on the Friday evening.”

THANK YOU VALEGROOn Wednesday 14 December Charlotte Dujardin and her champion companion Valegro, performed their London 2012 Olympic gold medal winning routine in a ceremony prior to Valegro’s retirement from competition.

The sell-out crowd watched in awe as they performed their last dance together, with owner Carl Hester and groom Alan Davies celebrating the magnificent story of Valegro and Charlotte’s partnership, the duo exited the arena after an emotional and historical farewell.

CARL HESTER TOOK THE DOUBLETeam GB’s Olympic medal winning partnership Carl Heter and Nip Tuck opened the show in style as they cruised to victory in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound, with Dutch Olympic team riders Hans Peter Minderhound and Edward Gal in second and third.

Carl and Nip Tuck successfully defended their Olympia title on the following evening, with a win in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle supported by Horse & Hound, delighting the crowd with an effortless routine.

BRITISH SUCCESSES IN THE SHOW JUMPING

The packed house was thrilled by Scott Brash (GBR) and his ride, Hello M’Lady, as their performance in the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier presented by H&M, led them to snatch the victory. The celebrations were heightened as Ben Maher, the last Brit to win the class back in 2011, finished in second place.

“It’s great to perform in front of a home crowd,” said Scott after his victory. “The atmosphere was amazing the crowd really got behind us.”

With tense displays of Show Jumping throughout the week, the packed crowds were treated to world-class performances in the arena. An impressive debut by Holly Smith, and a brave round by Christopher Megahey in the Cayenne Puissance saw them both fly clearly over 7ft1in wall, resulting in them sharing the title.

On the final eve of the show, the Olympia Grand Prix was won in splendid style by Daniel Deusser, with Edwina Tops-Alexander finishing closely behind in second place, and Scott Brash in third.

EXELL TOOK CONTROL IN EXTREME DRIVINGSix time World Cup™ Driving champion Boyd Exell triumphed at Olympia to take the win in the final of the FEI World Cup™ Driving.

The skilled and tense final saw Exell’s performance followed closely by Jozsef Dobrovitz (HUN) and Koos de Ronde (NED).

"I feel on home ground here," remarked Exell who moved from the UK to Holland two years ago, "That does increase the pressure for me, but equally we are all lifted by the crowd. The Show is the one we want to be at."

THE KENNEL CLUB DOG AGILITYThe Kennel Club’s four-legged friends returned to Olympia with a great display of dog action across the week. Results of the dog agility competitions are listed below:

When Volkswagen Motorsport announced its decision to withdraw from the World Rally Championship in November, a scramble began for the signature of Seb Ogier, and understandably.

The Frenchman had dominated the championship winning 22 rallies out of 54 over the course of four years - a remarkable return of 40% of every event at which he turned up despite the combative, attritional nature of many of the events.

And with that litany of wins came a quartet of world titles until the Volkswagen announcement, which resulted in a switch to M-Sport Ford for the upcoming season.

With what the 33-year-old has already achieved on his career CV, despite the clock ticking against him with little preparation time for the new season on 20 January in Monte Carlo, he is not feeling any undue pressure.

“I have achieved a lot these last years but feel I am in a position that I have nothing to lose,” he said. “I have nothing to prove anymore.”

Only Sebastien Loeb boasts more championship and event wins - nine and 78 respectively to Ogier’s tally of four and 38.

But with a rich honours list already, Ogier is not about to rest on his laurels for the upcoming season, and there is a hope he can, to some degree, reawaken a sleeping giant in the Malcolm Wilson-headed M-Sport.

“I will try my best and it is definitely a good challenge to try to bring this team back to success after many years of struggle,” said Ogier even though time behind the cockpit before his home event has been understandably limited.

“I had two days already this week in Sweden for the first test. I will have another test in January before the rally which is normally two days so it will not be much time in this car so hopefully the feeling comes very quickly.

“But that is why I said we have a big challenge in front of us and it is a bit early to know what we will be able to achieve.”

There have been major changes in and out of the car in recent months having become a father to a son, Tim, for the first time six months ago.

While he is adamant the drive to succeed has not left him in parenthood, the priorities have shifted.

“It has made it more difficult to leave home. To become a father changed my life for sure. It makes me think a bit differently and have a different perspective about life for sure.

“There were many years when I was completely focused on racing and of course now I continue to do it professionally and give my best but I want to give some time and enjoy time with my family. I want to be a good dad, that is one of my targets now.

“It has become harder to leave and it will get even worse and worse when he grows up and starts to talk. I’m sure his mum will teach him his first sentence to be ‘dad stay home’! We have had so many good times already this year and I could not be more happy at the moment.”

With a new son in 2016, a new team boss in Wilson and teammate in Ott Tanak, who he likes and has tipped for a first WRC victory, it is all change.

And with it the likelihood that he maybe cannot maintain his supremacy in the WRC.

In some ways that is refreshing but he says: “I hate to lose and, when I take part in a competition, I always give me best. I never give anything half-hearted. If I do it, I do it 100%. Of course, it is a nice feeling to win.

“I had the chance to be a part of a fantastic team the last four years and we were successful together. At the end, it almost became normal to win but it never came easy.”

Nine seasons have passed since Ogier first lined up in the WRC with an eighth-placed finish in Mexico driving a Citroën C2 S1600, but this season marked the 10-year anniversary since his breakthrough in the Peugeot 206 Cup.

“For sure it has gone quickly you always look forward in life and sometimes it is nice to look back on what you have done,” he says. “Over the 10 years, I have been flying, but in the same time we achieved much more than I was hoping for 10 years ago.

“When I started I was hoping to reach the WRC and the ultimate dream was to be world champion and we achieved that and even more as now we are four-time world champions so it has been a fantastic adventure over those 10 years and it is not over. Let’s see what the future brings now."

The final day of Olympia, The London International Horse Show, saw Daniel Deusser, an Olympic bronze medallist in Rio, win The Olympia Grand Prix in a nail-biting final against some of the world's best Show Jumpers.

Earlier in the afternoon, the sell-out crowd watched over as Darragh Kenny cruised to the top of the leader board in the Holly Speed Stakes, supported by Olympia. Jodie Hall McAteer took control in a lightning round in the Mince Pie Stakes, and Britain's Leading lady rider Laura Renwick shared the Six Bar title with Geir Gulliksen.

FINAL DAY SAW ACTION PACKED WORLD-CLASS SHOW JUMPING

Daniel Deusser (GER) capitalised on a late draw to win the Olympia Grand Prix in splendid style, Longines FEI World Cup™ hero Scott Brash (GBR) finished third and Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) hung onto the top spot in the H&M Leading Rider of the Show rankings at the culmination of a week’s thrilling equestrian sport at Olympia, The London International Horse Show.

The Grand Prix, the final class of the show, attracted a high-class field but only six riders managed to go clear over another brilliantly executed Kelvin Bywater track.

Olympic gold medallist Laura Kraut (USA), first to go in the jump-off, was nearly jumped off Cavalia at the last fence, having hit three rails; German maestro Marcus Ehning had an unexpected two rails down on Gin Chin van het Lindenhof; and both Steve Guerdat, eventual fourth on Corbinian, and Scott Brash, third on Hello Guv’nor incurred four faults.

Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) was masterful with a clear round on the inexperienced bay mare California but her time of 52.33 seconds looked infinitely beatable, and so it proved when last to go Daniel Deusser executed a beautifully accurate round on the 12-year-old Equita van T Zorgvliet.

“I had plenty of time to think and I knew exactly what I had to do,” said a visibly elated Daniel, who also won the opening jumping class of the show on Thursday. “I thought it was a difficult class – the fences came up quickly and the jump-off course was tricky, just as in the World Cup yesterday.”

Edwina Tops-Alexander who has a punishing Christmas schedule ahead, with a flight to a show in Doha tomorrow said, “my mare is only nine and this is only her fourth or fifth indoor show, and there’s a lot to contend with, what with the tight arena and snowflakes falling, etc. It was a really technical course, not massive, but tricky.”

Earlier in the day, Laura Renwick and perennial Norwegian visitor Geir Gulliksen made it through to the fifth and final round of the Six Bar, at which point they opted to share the spoils rather than jump again.

The temperature in London might be colder than Irishman Darragh Kenny is used to – he’s mainly based in Florida – but he found a warm welcome on his first visit to Olympia and notched up a second victory here, in the Holly Speed Stakes on the 11-year-old mare Fixdesign Funke van’t Heike with a clear in 46.78 seconds.

William Funnell, riding Billy Angelo, was the first to break the 50-second barrier with a smooth round in 47.92 seconds, and managed to hold on to second place with none of the 11 riders after Darragh managing to trouble the two leaders.

“This show is amazing,” said Darragh, who is flying back to the States tomorrow. “The mare has gone really well for me this week. She has a big stride so there were a couple of places where I could do one less stride than William, such as coming down to the last where he did seven strides and I did six.”

Jodie Hall McAteer took no prisoners in the Mince Pie Stakes by setting a tough target from first draw in the competition for 148cm ponies with Tixylix. The 16-year-old, who was riding in her penultimate pony competition, encouraged all of those who followed her to chase her time, and all paid the price for their risks with poles on the floor.

“We know each other so well, I completely trust her,” said Jodie. “Even if I miss, Tixylix will still try and jump the fence. If I am able to find a horse like her, I’ll be away.”

And the Nick Skelton story was kept alive when Clare Whitaker presented him with the Ryan’s Son Trophy in the main arena, the perfect climax to five days of sell-out show jumping sport.

WELSH SECTION A FOXES THE COMPETITION

Having only been competed under saddle since last year, Uphill James Fox took the Blue Chip Native British Show Pony Society Supreme Championships, the first Welsh section A to do so.

The eight-year-old stallion scored a total of 181 marks out of a possible 200, given by four judges – two marking out of 50 for conformation (Mr Price Jones and Mr Stephen Howard), and two marking out of 50 for performance (Mrs Sharon Thomas and Mr Kevin Walker).

His rider and producer, Katie Marriott-Payne, was also victorious in this championship in 2003 with Stowbrook Jenny Wren – the first Exmoor Pony to take the title – so this competition was a particular aim.

“I set myself a goal of winning this with him,” said Katie, who is based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. “It’s been a dream come true because you can only see how they react to the atmosphere when they get here, it’s not something you can recreate.”

The Reserve Supreme Champion, the home-produced Highland stallion Benbreac of Croilla, owned by Mrs Mel Stanford and ridden by Matthew Cooper, caused some pre-show stress for his owner as his coat took a bit of preparation.

“We’ve had thermometers under his rug connected to an app on my phone and all sorts,” said Mel, who has been hacking him out to keep him fit after the end of the outdoor show season. “It wasn’t quite looking right, but all came good about 48 hours ago.”Further highlights of the day include The Kennel Club Medium Dog Agility Finals, Sian Illingworth and her partner AG CH Arnpriors Made of Honour, were cheered on by the crowd as they took home the victory.

]]>marcelkrebs@sport-heute.ch (Revolutions Sports und Entertainment)REPORTTue, 20 Dec 2016 09:04:32 +0100HARRIE PLAYS IT COOL ON GREAT DAY FOR BRITISH SHOW JUMPINGhttp://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/horses/5115-harrie-plays-it-cool-on-great-day-for-british-show-jumping
http://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/horses/5115-harrie-plays-it-cool-on-great-day-for-british-show-jumping

H&M day at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, will be memorable as a great day for British Show Jumping, but the very last class fell to a Dutch rider, Harrie Smolders, who proved that the patient approach can win the day when capturing the H&M Ivy Stakes.

Earlier, Scott Brash and Ben Maher scored a British one-two in the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier presented by H&M, 12-year-old Madison Heath won the H&M Mistletoe Stakes and Anna Power partnered Annie Gibson from Northern Ireland to take the H&M Pony Club Mini-Major. To top things off, Olympic champion Nick Skelton scored a great result when finishing third in BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Madison Heath made the most of her last ride on Red Alert III by taking the H&M Mistletoe Stakes for 128cm ponies with a superbly fast and thrilling round.

“I just thought ‘go for it’,” said Madison, 12, who just missed out on clinching this title in both 2014 and 2015. “I was a bit wary of the double of uprights, as I had had them down in the past, but I trusted her to do it.”

The seasoned mare has already been sold to international show jumper Geoff Luckett for his children. “We have had her for five years, with my sister Bobbie riding her before me,” said Cheshire-based Madison. “She has never let us down.”

International rider Laura Renwick was watching and praised the youngster. “I have ridden with Madison in relays before and she’s very competitive,” said Laura. “Today she rode with maturity, used her head, and was absolutely spot on.”

Ponies took to the stage earlier in the day, too, in the H&M Pony Club Mini-Major, a relay class in which international riders are paired up with their under-12 counterparts.

Britain’s Anna Power (Chesterfield Z) and 11-year-old Annie Gibson (Lisbox Black Magic), a member of the Iveagh branch of the Pony Club, bettered seven rival pairings to take the top spot.

“It’s the first time I have been to Olympia and it’s absolutely amazing,” said Annie, who lives near Belfast. “Anna told me to go in and just have fun, which is what I wanted to do, and, once I was in there, I just went for it.”

Harrie Smolders was a member of the Netherlands team at the Rio Olympic Games, but this was his first Olympia win. When his four rivals in the jump-off all faulted, a steady clear was all that was required to lift first prize. “My horse is not so fast, so it was the only way to win!” he joked.

He has only been riding his winning mount, the nine-year-old mare Corrada, for two months. “This was a nice competition to win with a new horse – I’ve only had her for two months,” he explained. “She is quite green but a horse can learn a lot here and she is very calm.”

Kevin Staut finished second for France on Unna de Kerglenn with Michael Whitaker third on JB’s Hot Stuff.

Swedish rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson continues to head the H&M leading Rider of the Show table by 17 points from the crowd-pleasing Italian rider Lorenzo De Luca. Ben Maher and Laura Renwick are third and fourth for Britain.

Other highlights of the day included The Kennel Club Large Novice Dog Jumping Grand Prix, which was won by Bonny Busby and Nedlo Moon Lighting and The Kennel Club Large Novice Dog Agility Finals, in which Lee Windeatt and Mendipstar Coy Oaty Snuggly sped to victory by over two seconds from their rivals.

Scott Brash thrilled the packed house at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, with a virtuoso performance aboard the fleet-hoofed mare Hello M’Lady to snatch the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier presented by H&M by the tiniest of margins.

There were double celebrations when Ben Maher, the last British rider to win this prestigious class, back in 2011, finished second on another mare, Diva ll, by just 0.12 of a second.

On H&M Sunday at Olympia, it was appropriate that Belgian rider Nicola Philippaerts, whose father, Ludo, won this class back in 1988, was third on H&M Harley vd Bisschop.

Thirteen riders from eight nations went through to Kelvin Bywater’s ingenious jump-off track which hinged on getting the sharp angle back to a double on a blind turn and then clearing the upright fence on a curving galloping line.

“Kelvin [Bywater, course-designer] did a great job,” commented Scott. “It was big and technical but, nowadays, the standard is so high that there are horses that will just skip round.”

Only five of the 13 riders achieved a double clear and German maestro Marcus Ehning, who could have spoilt the British party when last to go on Comme Il Faut, racked up a surprising 20 penalties.

US rider Laura Kraut, whose partner Nick Skelton was already en route to Birmingham for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, was fourth on Zeremonie and 61-year-old John Whitaker rode superbly to finish fifth on Ornellaia while crowd favourite Lorenzo De Luca finished sixth for Italy with one rail down on Limestone Gray.

Olympia represents the eighth of 13 legs in the Longines FEI World Cup™ and Scott’s win elevates him 26 places to sixth in the standings and within sight of a place at the final in Omaha, USA, in April.

“I think I will target the FEI World Cup™ Final this year,” revealed Scott. “I don’t very often, because there’s such a full calendar, but I’m very fortunate to have a strong team of horses, some of which are back from injury now – including Hello Sanctos [his Olympic gold medallist] and Hello M’Lady.”

Of Lady Kirkham’s agile nine-year-old mare, Scott commented: “She’s sharp, an exceptional jumper and very much one for the future. It was very special to win in front of a home crowd.”

Ben Maher, the first rider to go clear in the jump-off, could perhaps consider himself hard done by, having set such an exacting standard, but his mare was returning to form and he said simply: “I would have been happy with sixth, quite honestly. Diva loves this show and jumped brilliantly; it’s just great to have her back. Congratulations to Scott – I couldn’t have done any more.”

United Autosports finished second and third in the LMP3 class of the 2016 Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi (Saturday 17 December).

The team continued their run of podiums in 2016 when Alex Lynn, Shaun Lynn and Richard Meins brought their Gulf Marine liveried #23 Ligier JS P3 home in second place after 12 hours of racing round the Yas Marina circuit. Finishing in third place were Jim McGuire, Matt Keegan, Nico Rondet and former Formula One driver Stefan Johansson in the #22 Ligier JS P3.

After qualifying on Friday, where the average time of three of the qualifying drivers determined the grid positions, our two Ligier JS P3s lined up sixth and seventh with a number of cars ahead filled with all-pro driver line ups. Alex set the fastest lap of the whole weekend with a 2:06:250 during his qualifying session. Richard and Shaun then completed their qualifying laps, with the average time for all three drivers putting the #23 Ligier seventh on the grid for the start of the race. The #22 Ligier qualified sixth after times were set by Stefan Johansson, Nico Rondet and Matt Keegan, with Stefan setting the fastest LMP3 bronze driver time by almost a second with a 2:09:018.

The race began early on Saturday morning, with Alex Lynn taking the start for the #23 Ligier. Alex soon made his way through the pack to take the overall lead, but pitted after an hour so Shaun could take the wheel. As per the race regulations, Alex was limited to only two hours of driving over the whole 12-hour race, meaning Shaun and Richard had to split 10 hours of driving between them. There was a lengthy safety car period shortly after Shaun began his first stint, caused by a Lamborghini crashing heavily into the barriers on the entry into turn eight, which required extensive barrier repairs. Once racing resumed, both Shaun and Richard maintained consistent times to keep their position, ultimately finishing third in class at the end of the first half of the race. Unfortunately, the race regulations stated that the LMP3 cars had to make two extra mandatory timed pit stops compared to the GT3 cars, meaning it was almost impossible for an LMP3 car to win outright.

Stefan Johansson took the start for the #22 Ligier JS P3 from sixth place overall, maintaining his position as he got accustomed to the car and racing after a four year break. Towards the end of his first stint, Stefan reported that he’d had contact with a slower car, forcing the team the pit the car for repairs to the front suspension mounting and front nose section. The team managed to complete the extensive repairs in great time, meaning only 16 minutes were lost while the car was stationary in the garage. All four drivers were experiencing their first taste of the Ligier JS P3, but all improved their times over the first six hours of racing, ultimately finishing fourth at the end of the first half.

The second half of the race began as the sun began to set, with Alex once again taking the start in the #23 Ligier JS P3 from 11th overall. Alex drove a stunning hour-long stint, setting fastest lap after fastest lap while overtaking all 10 cars in front of him. Nico Rondet took the start of the second half for the #22 car crew from 16th position. The second half of the race was calmer than the first as both driver crews maintained their good pace and positions of second and third in class - car 22 having made a good recovery after their early delays in the first half of the race. However, with around an hour left to run, car 22 had contact with another car, causing damage the left-hand exhaust, meaning a further pit-stop to rectify the problem. After swift repairs, Nico made his way back out for the final stint of the 12 hours.

Richard brought the #23 Ligier JS P3 home in second place, while Nico brought the #22 Ligier JS P3 across the line in third.

The Gulf 12 Hours marks the final race of the year for the 2016 European Le Mans Series LMP3 champions. Over the course of the year the team have won three races and scored a podium in every race they have entered. In 2017 United Autosports will enter the Le Mans 24 Hours and the LMP2 class of the European Le Mans Series with their Ligier JS P217. They will also focus on retaining their LMP3 championship in the ELMS with their two Ligier JS P3s.

Alex Lynn, driver, #23 United Autosports:“I think we’ve all had a really great race. It was great to take the lead at the start and I felt the car was handling really well but it was just a shame I had to pass so much GT traffic but once we got into the lead I could maintain a good pace. I passed the car over to my dad and I think from there on we just kept a consistent race. Unfortunately we went a couple of laps down at the end of the first part of the race, which took us out of position. I then started the second race and had another good start, passing both Graff Ligiers straight away and then tried to build as much of a gap as I could. From there it was all about bringing it home to the finish. I think we will all go home quite happy with a second place.”

Shaun Lynn, driver, #23 United Autosports:“My race was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I think I improved a lot too. The car was amazing, the team was amazing and it couldn’t be better. It was really nice to be back in the LMP3 car too and really find out what the car can do. It was amazing to race it round such a beautiful track. It was fantastic to race with Alex too - it’s been a dream of mine for a long time to race with my son, it was quite emotional in some parts. Given that Alex could only do two hours of the race, it was tough for Richard and I to race the other 10! We only had around 40 minutes between each of our stints, which was tough. We came home with a podium and fell more in love with the car, so what more can you want.”

Richard Meins, driver, #23 United Autosports:“It’s the first time I’ve raced an LMP3 car but what was great was that we arrived on Tuesday and have been on track since Wednesday so I’ve had a lot of time in the car. It is an amazing car, its different to anything I’ve raced before so I had a lot to learn. It was fantastic to have Alex around too, it advances you much quicker as he’s not just fast, he’s exceptional. I struggled in the first half of the race, but the second half I really enjoyed. We had a fantastic result and we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Jim McGuire, driver, #22 United Autosports:“I’ve had a fantastic weekend, I’ve enjoyed every part of it. The car was fantastic, the team were fantastic and it was an incredible experience - I never thought I’d be racing around Yas Marina! I was learning the car more than anything and trying to get comfortable with it - it’s a big step from what I’ve been driving, but it’s an incredible car. The whole experience has been great.”

Stefan Johansson, driver, #22 United Autosports:“I had a good race. I didn’t feel completely on top of it when we started as I haven’t been in a racing car for nearly four years but the last half of the race was great, I really enjoyed it. I felt like I got a bit of my mojo back, which is nice. The Ligier JS P3 is a great car, really fun to drive, quite challenging but brilliant. It was nice to be racing a Ligier again too - very special. It’s 28 years since I last drove one and it was great. I loved racing for United again too, everyone is great, it’s a super tight team. Everyone’s still here whom I remember from last time. It’s always a pleasure to drive with this team.”

Matt Keegan, driver, #22 United Autosports:“What a fantastic race and what a great team. You always want to go faster but I was happy with my overall pace. The car was great and we got a good set up for the car. I think the last stints were the best of the whole weekend. I’d love to race in LMP3 again - I love the car.”

Nico Rondet, driver, #22 United Autosports:"It was a fantastic experience to race in the Gulf 12 Hours with United Autosports - and having Stefan Johansson as a team mate! It was great fun too I might add. We learned a lot as a group of drivers and got more comfortable with the Ligier as well as the team. We are looking forward to doing more races with United Autosports soon hopefully."

Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:“I’m really pleased with both teams and the results we will go back home with. It was great having Alex bring his experience and speed to the team - he did some stunning lap times over the whole week, not only in qualifying but during the race too. Welcoming Shaun, Richard and Stefan back to the team was a pleasure too, and having Jim, Matt and Nico join us as newcomers. I was pleased that both cars got to the end of the race too, and even more proud to maintain our podium record in 2016. It’s a testament to the guys at Onroak Automotive who have produced such a stunning car in the Ligier JS P3. It’s not easy getting to the end of any endurance race, but I’m really happy with the outcome of our final race of the year. Now onto 2017 and see what we can do there.”

Saturday's sell-out crowd watched admirably as The FEI World Cup™ Driving Leg presented by Dodson & Horrell took to the arena with Boyd Exell demonstrating an unbeatable performance and taking home the title.

Lorenzo De Luca, the Italian rider who is proving such a hit, won the Martin Collins Enterprises Christmas Tree Stakes and is now second in the H&M Leading Rider of Show rankings behind Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson ahead of tomorrow’s H&M Sunday.

Jessica Mendoza was masterful when taking the under-23 title; Laura Renwick notched up Britain’s first senior win and the talented young Irishman Bertram Allen triumphed in the Christmas Masters.

SIX TIMES CHAMPION BOYD EXELL TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT OLYMPIA

The world's leading driver Boyd Exell (AUS) showed the enthusiastic full house at Olympia just why he deserves that title. The six times World Cup™ Driving Champion and four times individual gold medallist, drove two peerless rounds in the final leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving to take the win.

Finishing in third place last night in the qualifying round, behind Hungary's Jozsef Dobrovitz snr and Koos de Ronde (NED), meant Exell took on the course before them. Up until then only one of the four previous drivers - Georg von Stein from Germany - had posted a clear round. Exell showed his intent by driving clear and clipped ten seconds off von Stein's time. Following him, Dobrovitz and de Ronde both drove clear but Exell took the lead by some three seconds.

The top three competed again over a shortened course, starting from a zero score. Dobrovitz lost time at obstacle one attempting a tight turn and then had a knockdown at obstacle two. De Ronde pulled out all the stops and secured a very fast time but in doing so picked up five penalties.

Exell only had to drive clear but that was no barrier to him putting his foot flat to the floor. He galloped home clear two seconds faster than de Ronde to notch up his third win in FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifiers this season, keeping him in the top of the rankings.

All three top drivers paid tribute to the highly-charged atmosphere at Olympia where the crowd are so enthusiastically engaged with the competition.

"I feel on home ground here," remarked Exell who moved from the UK to Holland two years ago.

"That does increase the pressure for me but equally we are all lifted by the crowd. The Show is the one we want to be at." A sentiment endorsed by Dobrovitz competing here for the second year running.

Daniel Naprous (GBR) who finished fourth yesterday, remarked, "Olympia gives British drivers the most wonderful platform to compete against the best in the world. They are so welcoming to us and we are getting better as a result. It's a thank-you to Olympia."

LORENZO PERFORMS AN ITALIAN JOB

Italian rider Lorenzo De Luca brought the crowd to their feet with a stunning performance in the jump-off of the Martin Collins Enterprises Christmas Tree Stakes.

The Olympia crowd have taken the young Italian to their hearts this week and he did not disappoint, pulling off an audacious round on the white-faced chestnut by Heartbreaker, Halifax van het Kluizebos, to clinch victory from his Stephex Stables team mate Daniel Deusser on Hidalgo VG.

The competition involved a timed first round from which 14 went through to the jump-off. Ben Maher put up a spirited challenge to finish third and best British on the eight-year-old Don Vito.

Lorenzo, a member of the Italian Air Force, is trained by Dutchman Henk Nooren and is based in Brussels with the Stephex Stables. This is his first appearance at Olympia. He will ride Limestone Grey in tomorrow’s Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifier presented by H&M and Halifax in Monday’s Grand Prix.

“Halifax is very fast and careful and he wants to do his best,” said Lorenzo, 29, who is 17th in the Longines FEI World Rankings. “This is a super show. Everyone told me it was great, but now I know. It’s a proper horse show.”

The Italian star is now second in the H&M Leading Rider of the Show rankings, 18 points behind the runaway leader, Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson, ahead of tomorrow’s H&M Sunday.

LAURA RENWICK DELIGHTS BRITISH FANS

Laura Renwick secured Britain’s first outright show jumping win of the week in The Shelly Ashman International Ltd, E M Rogers (Transport) Ltd Father Christmas Stakes. This was an accumulator competition in which a clear jump over a fence accrues points, with a final optional joker fence offering a tempting double, its easier counterpart.

Remarkably, Laura has only ridden her winning partner, Con Chilli, for just two months. “She’s usually ridden by Yazmin Pinchen, but I have the ride on her as Yazmin is pregnant,” Laura explained. “The other two horses I have here are also Yazmin’s, but this will only be my second show with those. They are all going really well here and I am very fortunate to have them.”

Laura was also in the final shake up of The Christmas Masters, in which the top seven leading riders of the show so far were eligible to compete.

In this class, riders nominate a fence to go up before they jump. If they jump it clear, the prize pot increases by £500; if not, the prize fund stays the same and the fence is dropped back to its previous height. After each round, all those still clear jump again until the fifth and final round, in which the jump-off is against the clock.

Laura (Dominant H), Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson (H&M Indiana) and Irishman Bertram Allen (High Valley) remained after four rounds, and went head-to-head for the winner-takes-all purse of £14,000.

Unfortunately, first-drawn Laura finished on four faults, but Bertram posted a fast clear, with a time that Malin could not match.

“It wasn’t an easy class to win. Often, if you get to the fifth round, you’ve won,” said Bertram. “It was difficult to know how fast to go as I was mid-drawn, so I didn’t want to risk going too fast and having a fence down.”

However, the young Irishman rode his round to perfection to take the spoils.

JESSICA TICKS THE BOX AT LAST

Team GBR Olympic reserve, Jessica Mendoza, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in show jumping, but until today there was one gap in her CV: The Dodson & Horrell and The World Class Programme U23 British Championships at Olympia, the London International Horse Show.

She put that right with a masterful victory on Wan Architect, despite 15-year-old Jack Whitaker, the European Pony Champion, running her close to the wire with a mature performance on the grey stallion Grade A Valentin R, one of three horses he qualified for Olympia.

Yazmin Davis finished third on Zilverster ll, having incurred a time penalty in the jump-off.

Jessica, Jack and Yazmin all jumped clear in the first round and were joined in the jump-off by the fastest of the four-faulters, who knew they had nothing to lose by going for speed and pressurising the top three.

Graham Gillespie set a blistering target with a clear round in 35.86 seconds on Celine, which was good enough to take fourth place, and Millie Allen, a star of the Pony and Junior circuits, was fifth on the stallion Balou Star.

Despite all her experience, Jessica, 21, commented that she felt Kelvin Bywater’s track was “stiff enough” and said: “I watched everyone’s rounds very carefully. Jack did a very smooth round which was hard to gauge so I knew I had to go for it. I’ve been second and third in this class so winning it at last really means a lot.”

Jessica, who has been competing Wan Architect in other classes at Olympia, was 4.54 seconds faster than Jack but his calm, classical approach was impressive and father Michael, who was in the audience for once, was visibly as proud as punch.

“I’m very, very pleased,” Jack said afterwards, “though I should have gone quicker! This is a prestigious class and I’ve been trying to get here for ages.”

Other highlights include Lee Windeatt and Ag Ch Darleyfalls Pipistrelle taking the victory in The Kennel Club Large Senior Dog Agility Finals.

Speed was the aim of the game on Friday at Olympia, the London International Horse Show. Swapping the racecourse for the show jumping arena, the jockeys in the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys' Fund had their feet flat to the boards in the battle of the flat versus National Hunt jockeys, with Frankie Dettori's flat team taking the spoils.

Earlier in the day, The FEI World Cup™ Driving presented by Dodson & Horrell thrilled the crowd with their break-neck turns and the show jumpers also kept up the pace in each of the three international classes to take place today.

It was an action packed day, which also saw the Equestrian Team GBR Olympic medal winners parade in front of a delighted audience. The parade included both BBC Sports Personality of the Year contenders Nick Skelton OBE and Sophie Christiansen OBE, ahead of their big night on Sunday.

FRANKIE'S FLYING FINISH CLINCHES IT FOR THE FLAT JOCKEYS

A typically flamboyant display of riding from Frankie Dettori clinched victory for his team of flat jockeys in the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys' Fund at Olympia, The London International Horse Show.

The quintet of flat jockeys (Frankie, Bridget Andrews, Adam Kirby, Jim Crowley and Jamie Spencer) had a point to prove as, two years ago, they were trounced by the National Hunt jockeys at Olympia.

This time though, under stern instruction from 2012 Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash, they flew around the track, performing neat handovers of the baton, and managed to set an unbeatable target.

The jump jockeys, under reigning Olympic champion Nick Skelton’s guidance, suffered a few shaky moments and even a last-ditch headlong gallop from Nick’s son Harry Skelton failed to save the day.

“My lads were fantastic,” said winning trainer Scott Brash afterwards. “They were really tight in their turns. Frankie in particular did a great round.”

“There’s a lot of cameraderie between both codes of racing but this is the icing on the cake,” confirmed Frankie, “and we’ll be dining out on it for a long time! Scott told us to keep it tight, keep it smooth and not cut any corners, and it worked. And it’s all for a good cause. The Injured Jockeys Fund is really important for our sport.”

For Victoria Pendleton, who was first to go for the jump jockeys, this was the latest sporting challenge in a memorable year that saw her finish a brilliant fifth in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in March only 12 months after she first sat on a horse.

“That was pretty good!” she said breathlessly afterwards. “I can only go as fast as I can – I’ve never show jumped before. It was fantastic to have the chance to compete at Olympia, but when I was asked, I did say that I couldn’t guarantee I would help the team.”

GUERDAT SAVES THE BEST TILL LAST

Steve Guerdat was always going to be dangerous when drawn last to go in the Longines Christmas Cracker at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, and so it proved.

Last to go in a five-horse jump-off, the 2012 Olympic champion, a perennial visitor to Olympia, shaved 1.37 seconds off the time achieved by Ireland’s Anthony Condon and Balzac, who took second place.

It was an international line-up with Spain’s Manuel Fernandez Saro third on U Watch, Malin Baryard-Johnsson fourth for Sweden on H&M Cue Channa, and Bertram Allen fifth for Ireland on the eight-year-old Izzy by Picobello

Steve was aboard his dual FEI World Cup™ finalist Corbinian. “I was quite lucky to be last in the class and therefore last in the jump-off, and so I knew what I had to do,” he said. “I was confident that if I rode well, he would be on my side.”

The Swiss rider will compete Corbinian, a 10-year-old by Cornet Obolensky, in Monday’s Grand Prix class; he rides Bianca in Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup™ Leg presented by H&M.

Earlier in the day, Olympia regular Laura Kraut got the better of Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca in the Snowman Stakes, snatching the lead with an extraordinarily fast start to the jump-off. “I can’t believe I finally beat him,” said the delighted American rider. “He’s just so fast.”

Lorenzo had romped into the lead on Halifax van het Kluizebos, his winning partner from the previous day’s Longines World Rankings class, the Christmas Pudding Stakes, with just two left to go. But the last rider in the ring, Laura set out to win with the nine-year-old Cavalia and gained time back straight away between the first two fences.

Continuing to claim back time around the track, she came home cleanly with over a second in hand. “I only watched the others go on the screen in the collecting ring,” said Laura, “When I saw Lorenzo go, I decided then it had to be all-or-nothing to win.”

From final draw in the opening class of the day, The Snowflake Stakes, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny denied long-time leader Malin Baryard-Johnsson a win. Riding Fixdesign Funke van’t Heike, the Olympia first-timer pinched half a second back from the Swedish rider’s posted time on H&M Second Chance.

“Malin has a very nice horse, but my horse is a little bit more experienced, which enabled me to push and beat the time,” said Darragh, who spilts his time between the USA and Europe. “I have usually already left to go to America for the winter,” said Darragh. “But my owners, sponsors and National Federation very kindly agreed to let me to come here.

“It’s a show I have always wanted to complete at and it is just amazing. It certainly is the best indoor show.”

KOOS DE RONDE SECURES VICTORY IN FEI WORLD CUP™ DRIVING AHEAD OF TOMORROW'S FINAL

The warm-up round of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Leg presented by Dodson & Horrell produced a tight and tense competition that had its share of drama. In the final result, it was last to go, Koos de Ronde, from the Netherlands who went over the line first to claim victory by less than 0.3 seconds.

First to go in today's competition, GB's representative and the least experienced driver in this event, Daniel Naprous, head of the riding and driving stunt team, The Devil's Horsemen, posted a competitive round with just one five-penalty knockdown. Next to go, driving on a wild card, was Australia's Boyd Exell (pictured) - six-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion - who drove with his usual skill and dash. However, taking a short line through the second obstacle to get to the finish, he clipped a couple of elements to pick up ten penalties. So fast was his round that he remained in contention.

Hungarian driver, Jozsef Dobrovitz Snr, who was second to Exell in last night's Extreme Driving competition, drove surely and fast again to take the lead. His son, Jozsef Dobrovitz Jnr, followed by Theo Timmerman from The Netherlands and Germany's Georg von Stein, all collected knockdown penalties that dropped them down the order.

Knowing that if he drove clear he would win, de Ronde still put up a fast pace through both obstacles and the elements between them. It proved a good policy - a late five-point penalty still allowed him to cross the line by just 0.22 penalties ahead of Dobrovitz Snr. Exell was third.

"It was a tense moment going into the arena," de Ronde - World Cup Champion in 2013 - acknowledged. "I took a slightly longer route through the obstacles to try to go clear but I kept up the pace. It paid off - just!"

The placings today determine the order of competition for the Final tomorrow. All drivers will start from a zero score however, making for a competition that will again thrill the packed crowd at Olympia.

Other highlights included Charlotte Harding claiming the Kennel Club Small Dog Agility Final title, with his four-legged partner AG CH Daimonic Expelliarmus. The Olympia Senior Showing Series Championships, sponsored by Anthony D Evans Insurance Brokers, was a highlight for Kerrilee Wilson Smith and her family whose delightful grey cob Silver Maddigan won the ridden section; the former ridden pony Hampton Scandal, handled by Liam Keetley, won the in-hand classification.

Olympia, the London International Horse Show had crowds sat on the edge of their seats, as the Cayenne Puissance took flight. Holly Smith (GBR) and Christopher Megahey (IRL) both went clear in the 5th round to take home the title in front of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Olympic Gold Medallist Nick Skelton, was also in attendance as he took part in a Q&A session with some lucky fans.

HOLLY SMITH AND CHRISTOPHER MEGAHEY SHARE THE VICTORY

Holly Smith, who had never ridden in a puissance competition until this year, and the teenager from Ireland, Christopher Megahey, 18, a first-timer at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, shared the spoils in a thrilling finale to the Cayenne Puissance.

With The Duchess of Cornwall, who was paying her annual visit to the show, looking on, the pair both cleared 7ft 1in in the fifth and final round.

Holly (nee Gillott), riding the huge bay Irish sport horse Quality Old Joker, showed all her experience from the hunting field, saw the perfect stride and cleared the massive wall in superb style.

But then the young Irishman matched her for nerve and pinged over on another Irish-bred horse, his brother's former eventer Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier, in a result that will thrill fans of horses from the Emerald Isle.

Norwegian rider Rebekka Lie Andersen finished third, having retired in the third round on Want To Do, and Britain’s Laura Renwick, who withdrew from the third round, was fourth on Top Dollar Vl.

“It’s fantastic,” said Holly, 27. “All my friends are here to watch. I tried to treat it as a normal show, but it’s just got such an amazing atmosphere. The first three rounds didn’t actually go that well, but then I managed to see a forward stride in the fourth and he jumped brilliantly.”

Christopher was equally thrilled. “I loved it – it didn’t faze me at all. It’s just brilliant being here, being around top riders like Marcus Ehning and Scott Brash.”

Earlier on in the day the Stephex Stables enjoyed a fantastic start to the show, with its riders claiming the first two international Show Jumping classes.

The initial victory came from Germany’s Daniel Deusser, who took the Santa Stakes with nine-year-old stallion Hidalgo VG.

“It’s great to start with a win as it gives you confidence for the rest of show,” said Daniel, who beat 11 rivals in the jump off and relegated Britain’s Ben Maher (Don Vito) to second.

“He’s a very good horse now, having continued to improve and become more competitive in bigger classes,” said Lorenzo, who is an Olympia first-timer. “Getting the invitation to compete here was a dream come true,” he said. “To win on the first day is just fantastic.”

EXELL TRIUMPHS AGAIN IN EXTREME DRIVING AT OLYMPIA

Preceding the first round of the FEI World Cup™ competition tomorrow, the Dodson & Horrell Extreme Driving at Olympia saw all seven competitors representing five countries. But it was the world's leading driver, current reigning World Champion both indoors and out, Boyd Exell (AUS), who snatched victory.

Over a challenging course set by course designer, Johan Jacobs from the Netherlands, Exell was the last to go in the first round and was fastest at the midway point. However the brakes locked on his carriage as he drove over the bridge in the centre of the arena, making for a difficult turn into the first gate of the second obstacle. A resulting knockdown gave him penalties and put him into third place behind Koos de Ronde from The Netherlands and Jozsef Dobrovitz from Hungary. Dobrovitz, whose son is also competing in the competition, was the only driver to post a clear round at this stage, giving him the top slot.

In the second round, in which the top three placed drivers compete again for first to third place, Exell set the bar high with an excellent round despite one knockdown. Even with 5-penalties added the other two were unable to better his score and he claimed the win again, repeating last year's success in this competition.

"I'll be making a few changes in my team for the World Cup competition tomorrow," Exell remarked. "But today's competition was outstanding. This Show produces an amazing atmosphere and really allows us to showcase our sport. To compete to such an enthusiastic crowd and a full house spurs us all on."

Course designer, Jacobs commented, "I expect all the drivers to make less mistakes tomorrow - there are always difficulties in the first competition. They will be competing over a different course although the obstacles are in the same place - I don't plan to make it any trickier than today though!"

Along with the evening's Show Jumping and the Dodson & Horrell Extreme Driving, a special presentation took place as Tim Wilks was awarded the Raymond Brooks-Ward Memorial Trophy, presented to young riders demonstrating potential for future success in the forthcoming season.

The Kennel Club ABC Dog Agility Final thrilled the crowd, but Jo Gleed and her dog Bonvivant With Extra Zoom were too quick for fellow four-legged competitors to clinch the victory.

Olympic champion Nick Skelton spent the day being feted by journalists and the crowd, who will no doubt be voting in their thousands for him on Sunday night in BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Speaking of his Olympic Gold Medal, Nick said “I never thought it would happen – I’d tried and failed so many times, but I think it means more to me winning a gold medal at my age than it would have done if I was younger”.

Tickets for Olympia, The London International Horse Show, are still available for some performances. To book go to www.olympiahorseshow.com or call 0871 230 5580.

The organisers of the Dakar Rally understand the seriousness of the crisis that Bolivia is suffering as a result of the current drought.

The Dakar management team, together with the local authorities, have conducted on-site investigations, leading to some logistical reorganisation. The goal is indeed to limit, at the most, the necessity of Bolivian human and logistical resources that are needed by the country to support the populations affected by the current situation.

Furthermore, the whole event and its organisation will be totally self-sufficient as far as water supplies are concerned during its stay in Bolivia, the sporting itinerary remaining unchanged.

· The South American domination in the quad category could be called into question by Poland’s Rafal Sonik, Josef Machacek from the Czech Republic or Russia’s Sergey Karyakin.

· 2014 Winner, Ignacio Casale from Chile will be the leader of the riders from the continent, which can also count on Nelson Sanabria from Paraguay and Bolivia’s Walter Nosiglia.

At the start in the capital city of Paraguay, Asunción, 37 quads will line-up with 22 ridden by South American riders, which have dominated the sharp end of the order since the arrival of the Dakar on the continent in 2009. But Rafal Sonik, Josef Machacek on his return, and Sergey Karyakin, could very well bring back the category win to Eastern Europe...

The balance of power is constantly evolving on the Dakar between constructors or nationalities following transfers, revelations or even trends. In the context of the 2017 edition, several scenarios could play out in the quad category. The three riders on the podium last January have decided not to defend their positions. When analysing the list of entries there is an easterly wind that could blow with mighty force over the rally. Perhaps to the benefit of 2015 winner, Rafal Sonik who will be out for revenge after digesting one of his rare withdrawals last year. At 50 years of age and as passionate as ever when it comes to quads, the Pole put his race science to use on the Abu Dhabi and Atacama rallies... victories that allowed him to win the discipline’s World Championship.

Things could also change with the return to the category of the one that specialists nicknamed the “Tsar” at the height of his domination. After establishing the record of five victories (2000-01-03-07-09), Josef Machacek took a break that was ultimately unsuccessful (2 withdrawals in the car category in 2014 and 2016), but this year he is back on his machine of predilection. The 60-year old Czech dominated the competition on the Touareg Rally as well as the Bajas in Italy and Hungary. It remains to be seen whether his wisdom will contain the appetite of Russian Sergey Karyakin. The 25-year old finished just off the overall podium in 2016 (4th). Another contender, Frenchman Sébastien Souday doesn’t have the same experience on the Dakar, but on the other hand he beat Rafal Sonik and all the other top riders on the two races he ran this year in Sardinia and Morocco!

It will however take a real storm to destabilize the clan of the Latinos. Among the three former winners awaited at the start, 29-year old Igancio Casale is by far the youngest among them and he will assume the status as the leader of the South Americans. The Chilean has withdrawn on the last two Dakars, which is very unrepresentative of his race craft. To add a second triumph to his total, he will have to leave behind the Europeans, but also fend off neighbouring South American riders who are particularly ambitious. Like the winner of the 2014 edition that finished at Valparaiso, two contenders will have a chance to shine on a rally route that will run through their home territories. In Paraguay, Nelson Sanabria will try to draw on his energy to go the distance and go for the win, after having finished fourth in the general classification (2015). Very quickly, the terrain will be to the advantage of Bolivian Walter Nosiglia, who finished third overall on the 2015 Dakar.

And the quad category will also feature a female confrontation. With the experience accumulated during seven consecutive Dakar finishes, Camélia Liparoti is the overwhelming pre-rally favourite. But 25-year old Bolivian Suany Martinez will benefit from her father’s advice, Leonardo, who finished 12th last year... just behind Camélia!

The Olympia Grand Hall saw a sell-out crowd this evening, as many of the world’s greatest Dressage riders took to the arena. The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle to Music wowed the packed crowd, with Carl Hester dominating for the second night running.

The talking point of the Show was the retirement of one of Dressage’s greatest horses, Valegro, with spectators treated to a special performance ahead of an emotional retirement ceremony.

CARL KEEPS HIS OLYMPIA CROWNThe second day at Olympia, The London International Horse Show could not have ended any more perfectly than with British Dressage’s own Superman, Carl Hester winning the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle supported by Horse & Hound.

The win with Nip Tuck, Hester’s second consecutive Olympia FEI World Cup™ qualifying win with his 18 hand high 2016 Olympic team silver partner, came during an emotionally charged evening performance that saw the retirement of Nip Tuck’s stable and Olympic team mate Valegro. The double Olympic gold medallist is part-owned by Hester and ridden by his pupil and former protégé Charlotte Dujardin.

Hester and Nip Tuck’s freestyle (84.669) delighted the capacity crowd many of who have come back to Olympia every year since the prestigious FEI World Cup™ qualifier was initiated here in 2003.

“That was the biggest atmosphere at Olympia that I have ever experienced,” said Hester, who is now aiming for the FEI World Cup™ Final in Omaha in April. “Even yesterday in the Grand Prix it was super-charged and not just because of the numbers. Barney was a little on edge but I was really pleased that even out there, with so many people, he kept with me.”

Hester was also a major part of the evening’s retirement ceremony for Valegro.

“It has been such a joyous occasion,” said Hester. “I know everyone thought it would be sad, but how could anyone be sad to see Valegro go out so fit and well and happy – it’s been a happy-sad day.”

Hester and Nip Tuck not only successfully defended their Olympia title, but comfortably held off the potential challenge from Dutch Olympic riders Hans Peter Minderhoud with Glock’s Flirt (81.880) and Edward Gal with Glock’s Voice (80.467). The two Dutch riders, as last night in the Grand Prix, took second and third place. Hans Peter Minderhoud, the current holder of the FEI World Cup™ title took the runner up position with Glock’s Flirt with who he won the title last year – his first FEI World Cup™ accolade.

“I expected a great class with a big atmosphere so I knew we would have to produce our very best and then I heard Carl’s score,” said Minderhoud.

“I just had to keep to the plan and do the best we could and not over-ride him. He was really with me and really trying so I am super happy, but perhaps it’s time to make my freestyle more difficult.”

Fellow Dutchman Edward Gal and the stallion Glock’s Flirt were third, while Irish rider Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K (78.269) performed a powerful and expressive routine to a seasonal foot-tapping compilation to be fourth. British rider Hayley Watson-Greaves achieved a personal best with Rubins Nite for fifth place.

While Hester has yet to win a FEI World Cup™ Final, he has trained both Valegro and his rider Charlotte who have won the FEI World Cup™ series on two occasions (2014 & ’15). The pair are the current holders of the record FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix (87.129% in Lyon, 2014) and Grand Prix Freestyle score (94.16 in Las Vegas, 2016).

The 14-year-old equine superhero is part-owned by Hester, who has trained him and his rider Charlotte Dujardin through the fairy-tale style story that runs from four-year-old young horse champion to achieving double Olympic glory this year at Rio.

The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Final (March 29-April 2) takes place in Omaha, Nebraska.

Three-time Olympic Champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro entered the Olympia Grand Hall for a final time, performing their London 2012 Gold medal winning freestyle test to a sell-out crowd in a touching retirement ceremony. In 2014 the pair set the Freestyle Dressage world record at Olympia, and currently hold the highest Olympic score in the Freestyle. Beyond their phenomenal medal haul, the pair have achieved a great amount for the sport itself, as acknowledged by British Dressage in a special award ceremony during last night’s performance.

Valegro and Charlotte were joined in the arena by mentor and part-owner, Carl Hester, as well as groom Alan Davies, in what was an emotional last dance. The packed-out stands gave the duo a well-deserved standing ovation as they paraded out of the arena.

Speaking after the ceremony, Charlotte Dujardin said, “There have been so many happy memories, he’s won every gold medal there is, including three Olympic golds and two FEI World Cup™ titles. He’s a once in a lifetime horse and I’ll miss competing with him enormously.”

SERVICES JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPThe solitary foot-perfect performance secured the Services Jumping Championship win at Olympia, The London International Horse Show for the Household Cavalry’s Major Chambers, an accolade he has chased for six years with the 12-year-old gelding Hightide.

“It’s the ultimate [equestrian] title to win when for the military,” said Major Chambers, a Riding Master for the Lifeguards. “We have been second two times previously, and I had actually qualified two horses at the Royal Tournament for this final. I decided to bring Hightide as I trust him in the atmosphere here. The other horse, Freeway, has never been here before, so it made sense.”

Major Chambers bought Hightide at Gorsebridge sales eight years ago for the Defence Animal Riding Centre as a school horse. However, the two quickly developed a strong bond. “I decided to try him out one day and fell in love,” said Major Chambers, who was also part of the winning Services Team Jumping squad with Hightide at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tickets for Olympia, The London International Horse Show, are still available for the Thursday and Friday afternoon performances. To book go to www.olympiahorseshow.com or call 0871 230 5580.

The World's best Dressage riders were out in force on the opening night of Olympia, The London International Horse Show, where Carl Hester was crowned winner of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound aboard his Rio Team silver medal winning horse Nip Tuck.

In addition to the top-class competition, Britain's favourite horse, Valegro, graced the arena along with Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester, ahead of his retirement tomorrow, and Emile Faurie also gave a foot perfect masterclass.

Spanish horse whisperer, Santi Serra, opened the show with his unique display featuring dogs and horses, paving the way for a spectacular performance from the Pride of Portugal Lusitano horses and riders.THE FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE GRAND PRIX SUPPORTED BY HORSE AND HOUNDOlympia, The London International Horse Show kicked off in great style with the first night’s full house witnessing British Olympic rider Carl Hester win the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix (supported by Horse & Hound).

The British favourite produced a controlled and confident test from the giant Nip Tuck who, despite being 12 years old, is still a notoriously spooky horse. The pair produced particularly impressive piaffe and passage and claimed a unanimous win from the five judges.

“I am very happy with him tonight,” said the Gloucestershire rider. “This time last year it took another 24 hours to get to this point.”

“We can improve on the score and yes I need to be more attacking in the ride to gain the higher marks but tonight was a stepping stone to that and, considering how spooky he can be, he is becoming a very reliable horse.”

Dutch Olympic team riders Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal, regular visitors to the London Show, were second and third.

Hans Peter and Glock’s Flirt, the reigning World Cup champions stand second. It was just the second show for the pair since their World Cup win in Gothenburg in April.

“I am very satisfied with Flirt, especially as he had all summer off and only came back at Maastricht where he was second. Already he feels improved and hopefully he will be better again tomorrow,” said Hans Peter who has been coming to the London show for the last ten years.

“We always try to do this show and now feel very much at home here in London”, said Hans Peter. “It has a great atmosphere and is good way to end the year.”

It was also only the second outing for the stallion Glock’s Voice since he competed with Edward Gal at the Olympic Games in Rio.

He said; “Yes he was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere and a little bit too much of a stallion in the warm-up – which is quite small and was busy with other horses – so he was a bit difficult and falling into the corners and a little against my hand at times, but we can most certainly can do better and tomorrow we start again.”

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle starts tomorrow night at 7.30pm after which the audience will have their tissues at the ready for the retirement ceremony of the British team Olympic gold medallist horse Valegro.

A GOLDEN YEAR WITH CHARLOTTE, CARL AND VALEGRO

Valegro made his first UK public appearance since winning his third Olympic gold medal in Rio, much to the delight of the packed crowd. Fans were treated to a Q&A session with Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, questions for which were submitted in advance by members of the audience. Charlotte and Valegro also demonstrated a couple of the moves that gave them such phenomenal success in the competition arena.

The session also included an awards ceremony, with the following awards presented;

Lifetime Achievement Award to Valegro’s groom Alan Davies, presented by Chris Hewlett (Chairman of the British Grooms Association)BHS Fellowship Award to Carl Hester, presented by Lynn Petersen, Tessa Martin-Bird and Julia David from The British Horse SocietyBritish Dressage Award to Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin, presented by Jennie Loriston-Clarke

Having tested the brand new Ecoboost-powered Ford Fiesta in Wales last month, the Frenchman was sufficiently impressed to agree terms with the British team.

Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia dominated the last four years in the all conquering Volkswagen Polo but were left without a drive when the German car manufacturer ended its commitment to the sport.

The pair are a force to be reckoned with and since starting their WRC assault in 2008, have secured four world championships, 38 victories, 56 podiums and an impressive 475 stage wins.

Ogier will lead the M-Sport team with Estonian 2016 Driver of the Year, Ott Tänak, and with just 39 days until the start of the Rallye Monte-Carlo, the defending champion cannot wait to get going.

“There will be a lot of new things this season, but I am definitely looking forward to it. We have a new generation of world rally cars, and a new team – it’s certainly an exciting time,” said Ogier.

“There’s not long before we line-up at the start of Rallye Monte-Carlo and we’ve not had a lot of seat time with the Ford Fiesta WRC, but we’ll give it our best to be ready. We’re aware of the challenges, and I can see how hungry Malcolm Wilson and his team are for success.

“It’s funny to think that just a few months ago I was sitting at a motorsport forum at Wales Rally GB saying how nice it would be to work with him one day. I had no idea at the time that it would come quite so soon, but here we are!

“I’m looking forward to working with M-Sport, and we’ll certainly be aiming to return them to the top-step of the podium!”

Wilson, M-Sport Managing Director, added: “We go to Rallye Monte-Carlo with the number one on the door of the Ford Fiesta WRC and the strongest driver line-up we have had in years. To say we’re excited about next season is an understatement. We believe that we have produced an exceptional car, and we are in the best possible position ahead of this exciting new era.

“I’ve made no secret of how much we wanted to work with Sebastien and Julien, and it is fantastic to welcome them to the team. We have worked extremely hard to secure them, and they believe that the Ford Fiesta WRC is the car with which they can best defend their championship."

HIGHLIGHTS NEWS FILM PRESENTED BY ROLEX FROM THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHI GENEVA AND IJRC TOP 10 FINAL

12 December 2016, CHI Geneva, Switzerland – CHI Geneva is one of the three equestrian Majors that form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and is one of the most prestigious Grand Prix on the international circuit.

Re-live the excitement of the five-day competition at the world’s leading venue, as the finest riders compete for the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping title.

11 December 2016, Geneva, Switzerland – In December the world of international show jumping turns its attention to the last equestrian Major of the year, CHI Geneva. Staged over four days, a record 42,000 spectators cheered on the world’s best riders with the excitement drawing to a close on Sunday 11 December with the climax of the competition, the Rolex Grand Prix.

The tension in the Palexpo Arena was justifiably high with Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash amongst the starters, entering the competition as the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The stakes were especially high for Brash who had already written his name into the history books having completed this extraordinary feat at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2015.

Home favourite, Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat brought a further dimension of emotion to the event having announced that the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva would be the last competitive appearance for his prize horse, Nino des Buissonnets. However, fortune favoured Brazilian rider Pedro Veniss and his brilliant stallion Quabri de L’Isle, who produced an astonishingly quick jump-off time to reign victorious as the 2016 Rolex Grand Prix winner.

The start list saw 40 of the sport’s finest riders challenging for one of the most revered competitions on the international circuit and course designer Gérard Lachat made full use of the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena, challenging these elite athletes in every corner and at every jumping effort. The vast obstacles tested the riders to their limits, and only 16 combinations conquered the first round of the course faultlessly, taking them through to the jump-off. Swiss national hero Steve Guerdat, Scott Brash and world number one Christian Ahlmann, were amongst those to advance through to the second round, heightening the excitement of the competition.

ROLEX GRAND PRIX JUMP-OFFThe crowds were kept on the edge of their seats as each combination tackled the shortened course, dramatically cutting corners to produce as fast a time as possible. The eventual Rolex Grand Prix winner, Veniss, was fourth to go and set an exceptionally tough time to beat of just 38.96 seconds. Despite valiant efforts from all challengers, it seemed no one could cut any more time off Veniss’ impressive round. It was left to the last two riders, Rolex Testimonees Kevin Staut and Scott Brash to challenge one of equestrian sport’s most prized trophies. Staut produced an outstanding round of elegance and precision, stopping the clock after 40.04 seconds, but this was not enough to knock Veniss from pole position. The crowd hushed as the current Rolex Grand Slam live contender entered the arena and waited with baited breath for the outcome. Cheering Brash through to the last fence, the clock stopped at a time of 39.41 seconds, four hundredths of a second slower than Veniss and placing the combination into third, respectively. First and third place were separated by just 0.4 of a second, highlighting the importance of accuracy and precision timing at the very top of the sport.

After a tense and dramatic competition came to a close, a delighted Veniss spoke of his victory, “I am so happy, it is a dream come true to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva. Quabri jumped fantastically in the first round and so I thought, we can go for it in the jump-off. I really tried like never before and pushed to go fast, Quabri responded perfectly.

“I will work really hard ahead of CHIO Aachen [2017], thinking ahead to the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping but for now, I want to give this victory to my family and all of the people who are behind me.”

Von Merrick Haydon (Revolution)

NINO DES BUISSONNETS’ RETIREMENTSunday 11 December was especially emotional for Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat, who placed twelfth in the Rolex Grand Prix, which was to be the final competition for Nino des Buissonnets ahead of a well-deserved retirement.

“The farewell was so special, it was so intense, powerful, so emotional. It was much more than I expected. The stadium was full, everyone stayed after the Rolex Grand Prix and I am very grateful to all of the public and the show, for that. It will always remain in my heart.”

09 December 2016, Geneva, Switzerland – The world’s Top 10 riders gathered for a thrilling competition on Friday 9 December, in the sixteenth edition of this world-famous spectacle and the twelfth time it has been staged at CHI Geneva. Crowds for the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final were treated to an evening of excitement, tension and elation as last to go, Rolex Testimonee Eric Lamaze, produced a spectacular round to take title spot and reign victorious.

Staged over two nail biting rounds without a jump-off, pin point accuracy and upmost precision is required to win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. With five riders jumping fault-free in the first round, the stage was set for an exhilarating final round.

Christian Ahlmann took a commanding lead in round two, setting a superb time of 43.05 seconds which looked hard to beat. The last three riders of the class to go were Rolex Testimonees Steve Guerdat, Kevin Staut and Eric Lamaze. Even the elite riders, Staut and Guerdat, were unable to push Ahlmann out of title spot, leaving it to Canada’s Eric Lamaze to challenge the German rider. In true Lamaze style, he looked to shave off hundreds of seconds at every corner aboard his mare Fine Lady 5. With the packed crowd on the edge of their seats, and fixated on the clock, he finished in a time of 42.56 seconds, providing Lamaze with the narrowest of margins to win the class for the first time in his career and adding this title to his stellar roster of global equestrian achievements.

(c)Merrick Haydon (Revolution)

Speaking after his victory, a delighted Lamaze said, “We all saw Christian go in the jump-off, I thought the competition was over. Fine Lady is naturally very fast but I knew I didn’t have any option but to try everything. I was lucky enough to have a galloping distance to the Rolex oxer at the end, I took the opportunity and I think that made the difference.

“Fine Lady 5 is an amazing horse, to win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, I could not ask for any more.”

CHI Geneva will now look ahead to Sunday where it will see the retirement of Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat’s wonder horse, Nino des Buissonnets, in an emotional farewell after the Rolex Grand Prix, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Guerdat obtained third spot tonight in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, with a superb performance riding Corbinian.

THE HISTORY OF THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINALIn 2001 the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) created the first Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. The concept was initially conceived in the late 1990’s with the idea to improve the formula of the ranking list and celebrate the success and talents of the finest show jumpers in the world. The competition meant that the Top 10 highest ranked riders in the world for that year were invited to go head-to-head. An idea similar to the ATP World Finals in tennis, which is also supported by Rolex, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final is the only competition which is run by the competitors, through the IJRC. The competition has been won by several of the greatest names in the sport including Rolex Testimonees Rodrigo Pessoa, Steve Guerdat, Scott Brash, Kent Farrington and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. Eric Lamaze now joins this group of legendary names engraved on the exclusive winner’s trophy.

Alex Lynn and Stefan Johansson will race for United Autosports in the Gulf 12 Hours in a Ligier JS P3 sports prototype on 17 December.

Lynn is a Williams Martini Racing Formula One development driver and GP2 race winner, most recently winning the final race in Abu Dhabi, while also completing a part-season in LMP2 for Manor in the World Endurance Championship. Alex will race alongside his father Shaun Lynn in the Gulf Marine liveried Ligier, the same car Shaun raced at the inaugural British Prototype Cup round at Snetterton in October. They will be joined by Richard Meins for the 12 hour race, Richard having previously raced for United Autosports in the Macau GT Cup and Spa 24 Hours in various GT3 machinery.

Stefan Johansson will rejoin the team for the Gulf 12 Hours, racing alongside Jim McGuire, Matt Keegan and Nico Rondet in the team’s sister Ligier JS P3. Stefan previously raced for United Autosports in the 2010 and 2011 Spa 24 Hours in the team’s Audi R8 LMS. He is a successful former Formula One driver and raced for teams such as Ferrari and McLaren as well as for the Ligier Formula One team. He then moved onto sportscar racing, winning the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, as well as taking two further class victories in 1992 and 2003.

The Gulf 12 Hours is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, where the 12-hour race is split into two six-hour events. There is a total of 17 hours of track time during the race weekend, including four 75-minute practice sessions with three 15-minute qualifying sessions over the course of the weekend.

The event in 2016 marks the first time in the Gulf 12 Hours six-year history that LMP3 cars are eligible to race. They will race alongside GT3, GTX and Porsche Cup cars.

United Autosports have raced at the Gulf 12 Hours on two previous occasions and in 2012 scored a podium with their Audi R8 LMS and drivers, Ryan Dalziel, Enzo Potolicchio and Alex Popow.Alex Lynn, driver, United Autosports:"I'm really excited to be competing in the Gulf 12 Hours with United Autosports. It will be my first time in an LMP3 car, which I have heard great things about and it will be really fun to share the car with my dad and Richard Meins. Above everything I'm just excited to have a fun weekend. But no doubt when the flag drops it will get competitive. It would be great to be on the podium."

Stefan Johansson, driver, United Autosports:“I’m very pleased to be racing with United Autosports again. We had a great time in the Spa 24 Hours when I last raced for them and it will be good to see them all again. I’ve heard good things about the new LMP3 class and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of a prototype car again and can’t wait to drive the new Ligier JS P3. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic circuit and the Gulf 12 hours is turning into a great event, I can’t wait to get out there and have a go."

Richard Dean, Team Owner and Managing Director, United Autosports:“I’m really looking forward to Alex joining the team for the Gulf 12 Hours. He will be a valuable addition to the team, racing alongside Shaun and Richard. I’m also pleased we are going to have Stefan back in a United Autosports car too. We first ran him in the Spa 24 Hours back in 2010 and he has been a friend of the team ever since. It is shaping up to be a good weekend.”

As the year draws to a close, DJI wraps up another spot-on collaboration with WRC and delivers an exciting WRC Wales video for all rally aficionados.

The stunning forest of Wales in full autumn foliage played host to the final European rally of the season with unpredictable weather bringing rain, snow, ice and fog. This muddy and slippery race captured by the DJI Inspire 1 and the DJI Phantom 4 is a must see for all racing and aerial videography fans.

DJI Opens its Second China Flagship Store in Shanghai

On December 10, 2016, DJI opens the doors of its Shanghai flagship store to the public, giving residents of China’s largest city the opportunity to explore the creative and professional possibilities that drone technology has brought to the world.

Located at the center of Shanghai’s busiest shopping, dining and entertainment district in Xintiandi (aka "New Heaven and Earth"), the two-story, 500-square-meters (5,400-square-foot) flagship store will display DJI’s full range of aerial platforms and camera products.

Drone enthusiasts and novices alike can get hands-on experience with DJI’s market-leading technology, from the foldable yet powerful Mavic Pro personal drone to the latest professional products such as the Phantom 4 Pro and Inspire 2 drones.

The Shanghai flagship store is DJI’s fourth foray into retail after opening its first flagship store in Shenzhen, China in December 2015, followed by the Seoul, Korea flagship store opening in March and the Hong Kong flagship store opening in September.

DJI also continues expanding its European footprint with a shop-in-shop in Paris and Berlin and authorised stores in Rome and Copenhagen.

Ligier UK customers, Tockwith Motorsports took their maiden Asian Le Mans Series win during the second round of the series at Fuji Speedway, Japan (4 December).

Phil Hanson and Nigel Moore drove their Ligier JS P3 to victory after scoring a dominant pole position the previous day.

Starting from the front row of the LMP3 grid, Nigel made a good start, but slipped back into second place before an early safety car period. Once the race resumed, Nigel was battling with Charlie Robertson in the #67 PRT Racing Ginetta LMP3 for the lead, until a slight tap knocked Nigel into a spin and down the order. Recovering well after losing around 20 seconds, Nigel handed over the #26 Ligier JS P3 to Phil in third place overall just as the safety car was called out. Phil went out for his stint in the Ligier while still under the safety car caution. Phil drove a faultless race, holding onto the lead for the majority of his stint, then pitting with 65 minutes left on the clock so Nigel could finish the race. In the final hour, Nigel was catching the leading #85 Ligier JS P3 by at least two seconds a lap, eventually clinching the lead. He set the fastest lap of the race on the way to taking the chequered flag by almost 60 seconds to the second placed #4 Ginetta LMP3 car.

Their win in Fuji marks the second time Tockwith Motorsports have been on the podium in the Asian Le Mans Series, after scoring a second place finish at the opening round of the season in Zhuhai, China. They are now leading the championship with two rounds remaining.

The next round of the Asian Le Mans Series is at Buriram, Thailand on 7-8 January.

Phil Hanson, driver, Tockwith Motorsports:“I feel my stint went well and I managed to work my way up to the lead in the first half. My pace was good enough to secure us the front of the field so when Nigel got back in he was in a competitive position. The team did a great job and the Ligier was fantastic. I’m very happy with the performance that gave me my first Le Mans Series victory. I’m looking forward to many more in the future.”

Nigel Moore, driver, Tockwith Motorsports:“I’m so pleased for all the team that we won in Fuji. It was a good race, but frustrating that I had a spin early on. But still, I managed to get back up to the front of the field and maintained my position until I handed over to Phil. He drove a great race, keeping the lead and only dropping to second due to another team’s different strategy. He handed the car over to me in a perfect position, where I could catch the leading LMP3 car and come home with a win. To come away with a pole position and our first Le Mans Series win is great. I can’t wait for the next one now.”

Simon Moore, Tockwith Motorsport Team Principle:“The team did a great job last weekend in Fuji and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Credit must also go to the guys at Onroak Automotive for producing a fantastic race car in the Ligier JS P3. We now need to maintain our success and keep scoring more podiums and build on our points advantage.”

]]>marcelkrebs@sport-heute.ch (United Sports)REPORTThu, 08 Dec 2016 13:14:30 +0100WORLD’S BEST RIDERS SET TO COMPETE AT OLYMPIA, THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW http://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/horses/4999-world-s-best-riders-set-to-compete-at-olympia-the-london-international-horse-show
http://sport-heute.ch/sportreport/horses/4999-world-s-best-riders-set-to-compete-at-olympia-the-london-international-horse-show

Olympia, The London International Horse Show, will host 10 Olympic gold medallists who will be providing top class sporting action across the seven days of competition.

From the world of Show Jumping, five of the top 10 riders from across the globe, including former World No.1s, Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, will be under one roof to compete at the UK’s premier indoor horse show. Carl Hester, gold medallist from London 2012 and silver medallist in Rio 2016, will be heading up Team GB’s dressage entries. The sporting excitement does not end there, with the three-time World Champion, Boyd Exell, returning to wow the crowds with his Carriage Driving skills.

SHOWJUMPING

Olympia’s Show Jumping competition will have a dazzling array of first-class riders set to take centre stage during a week of unmissable competition.

Britain’s most renowned riders are, once again, congregating in London for five days of competition including the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Leg presented by H&M and the Olympia Grand Prix. London 2012 team gold medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher will be joined by rising Team GB star Jessica Mendoza, as well as William Funnell, Laura Renwick and Olympia newcomer Anna Power. Reigning Olympia Grand Prix Champion, Michael Whitaker, returns alongside his brother John Whitaker. Competing for the younger generation of the Whitaker family, Jack Whitaker lines up for the Dodson & Horrell and the World Class Programme Under 23 Championship.

The Brits will be rivalled by a strong international contingent including the current Olympic team gold medallists from France, Kevin Staut and Penelope Leprevost who are currently ranked World Nos. 8 and 9 respectively, alongside team mate Philippe Rozier. The German challengers will mount a strong opposition with World No. 3 Daniel Deusser, hoping to add another World Cup™ victory to his 2016 tally, appearing alongside his compatriots, Marcus Ehning and Marco Kutscher.

Peder Fredricson, individual silver medallist in Rio, and Steve Guerdat, individual gold medallist in London, will also feature amongst the leading riders. 2008 Beijing team gold medallist Laura Kraut, will be joined by Edwina Tops-Alexander and team silver medallist Malin Baryard-Johnsson to add further strength to the depth of the field.

On the evenings of the 13 and 14 December, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage supported by Horse & Hound comes the Olympia Exhibition Hall with eight Rio Olympians taking part.

Setting the standard will be Great Britain’s Carl Hester, aboard his Olympic medal winning partner Nip Tuck, who will be hoping to repeat his 2015 winning performance in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound. Competing against him will be fellow London 2012 Olympic team gold medallist, Laura Tomlinson, who will be attending Olympia as a final competition before she goes on maternity leave, and leading Dutch riders, reigning World Cup™ Champion, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal.

Representing Ireland will be Judy Reynolds, who currently holds the highest Grand Prix score by any Irish rider in international competition. Olympia will be seeing a new face as Japan’s Akane Kuroki will be attending for the first time, after making her international debut at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Olympia is set to provide an exhilarating display of skill, as the World’s best carriage drivers storm the arena.

Current World Champion Boyd Exell will be returning to the Olympia Grand Hall, armed with a team of horses to battle for the number one spot. Great Britain’s Dan Naprous will be contending against Boyd, pulling out all the stops in an endeavour to achieve first place position.

Italian team unveils its new Dallara LMP2 livery aiming to participate in the legendary 24 Hoursalongside its full ELMS campaign with Belicchi / Lacorte / Sernagiotto

Treviso (Italy), November 30, 2016. Scuderia Villorba Corse reinforces the will to be at the start of the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans with the new Dallara LMP2 alongside its full ELMS campaign. Italian team led by Raimondo Amadio has been working on its “Road to Le Mans” racing programme since 2015 but for 2017 season the project is expanding and it will be exclusively based on Italian business realities. In addition to team, car manufacturer and racing drivers Roberto Lacorte, Giorgio Sernagiotto and Andrea Belicchi, from now on this “made in Italy” project also involves pharmaceutical brand Cetilar (www.cetilar.it), which will partner the whole “Italian Spirit of Le Mans” campaign. Thanks to this new partnership Cetilar becomes the main sponsor of Villorba Corse and the team is already able to unveil its new car livery. Villorba Corse will submit registration for the 24 Hours of Le Mans as soon as entries will beopened.

Team principal Amadio says; “For Villorba Corse 2017 will be the most important and exciting season in last decade. We are going to undertake a crucial challenge that leads our team to a very high level of professionalism in motorsport. We are proud to announce Cetilar as our primary and solid partner in this process. We will work at our best to get the most from the upcoming season, which, de facto, for us has already begun”.

While Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg mentally prepare themselves for an epic finale on the ground, Etihad Airways’ A380 Chief Pilot, Captain Ali Al Jabri, will be in the left-hand seat of the superjumbo (tail number A6-APC) as it skims the start line of Yas Marina Circuit at 900 feet and 210 knots, trailed by the nimble fast jets of the UAE’s air display team Fursan Al Emarat.

“It’s an honour for our flight crew to be selected to take part in the fly past alongside the UAE’s display team and be a part of the spectacular event that is the F1® race,” said Captain Al Jabri. “The weekend is a showpiece event for Abu Dhabi and provides a huge opportunity to demonstrate our aircraft to an audience of billions.

“We’ve conducted similar fly pasts in previous years, and based on the many positive comments we hear from people, we know they take it away as an abiding memory of the event.”

The Etihad Airways fly-past has become synonymous with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this year’s event will see the airline’s stunning ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery flying over the iconic circuit to mark the beginning of the race on Sunday.

Months of planning takes place before the formation is performed ahead of the Formula 1® showpiece on race day.

The total flying time is 50 minutes from take-off to landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport and once in the air, the aircraft enter a holding pattern for about 10 minutes, during which they complete several passes over Yas Marina Circuit.

Captain Al Jabri spoke of the incredible team effort and dedication required to ensure the best possible visual experience on race day: “Safety is obviously of major importance to us when flying the aircraft so we’ve been working alongside the display team and practicing the fly past over the last few weeks.

“Many of us in the Etihad Airways crew have been involved in previous fly pasts but we couldn’t achieve it without the support of the Fursan Al Emarat display team, the military, air traffic control and the airport, so we can give people a spectacle that they will remember for years to come.”

The Etihad Airways flypast will begin at 16:47 taking place after the UAE National Anthem, minutes before the start of the 2016 FORMULA1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX on Sunday 27th November.

Captain Ali Al Jabri, Etihad Airways’ Chief A380 pilot takes us into the cockpit and explains what it means to fly the amazing aerial display

Global group of skateboarders embark on journey to the 'untouched country'.

For decades, Myanmar’s doors were predominantly shut to the outside world.

But increasingly, western influences have been allowed to creep in, including a growing passion for skateboarding in the South East Asian country.

In 2009, Ali Drummond took the seemingly unlikely step to move to Myanamar before much of the current reforms had been put in motion, and brought with him his passion for the sport.

Although skateboarding first emerged in the country in the mid-1990s, Drummond and a cohort of skateboarders from around the globe recently took to the streets of the country, with a population of more than 50 million people, to show their tricks across a variety of locations.

Under the title Myanmar: The Golden State Odyssey, they produced three visually stunning short films in a country with a smorgasbord of culture, which so often has been kept away from prying eyes further afield.

Drummond describes his adopted home as “an untouched country isolated from the world” but also “a real melting pot of cultures” ranging from its neighbours Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand, to the colonial rule it was under from Britain until independence in 1948.

The opening film highlights how Drummond’s personal sporting passion has brushed off on the locals.

Working with the non-for-profit organisation Make Life Skate Life, he helped create Myanmar’s first skatepark which resulted in “a few hiccups along the way” but was then built in just a matter of two weeks, paving the way for a “new generation of skateboarders”.

Those on board with Drummond for the video tour of Myanmar were North American duo Chris Haslam and Brian Delatorre, new jack Max Garson, Germany’s Patrick Rogalski, Frenchman Matt Debauché and Briton Korahn Gayle as well as Anglo-French skateboarder George Poole.

In a first film awash with the country’s rich culture, the once closed nature of its society is highlighted in the fact its skateboarders have an entirely different lexicon, an ollie instead called a dolphin because of the manner it mimics the animal in water.

With footage taking them skating past temples in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, and walking past occasionally bemused locals with boards in hand, Gayle admits: “This is the furthest away I’ve been from western culture. The streets are smooth so it’s fun to cruise the streets, a bit like New York."

In episode two, the team relocates to the somewhat bizarre city of Naypyidaw, built and created as the capital in 2007, and what Drummond calls, “a desolate city with nothing in it but 16-lane highways and sprawling Parliament buildings - a very bizarre place”.

But en route, they stop at viable skateboarding spots, arguably the highlight a leap by Gayle from a Buddha statue to a neighbouring dragon statue. Haslam called it “like something in a fairytale”.

The final episode - chapter three - takes in the famous old city of Mandalay opening with colourful washing hanging from locals’ lines and motorbikes careering along the streets, many of which would pull to the side of the road - blocking much of it - as the skateboarders found their latest spot.

For Drummond, who was also the former head honcho of Harmony Skateboards, the lure of his home for the past seven years is easy: “A lot of people have said they want to get here before it changes but think it’s changed a lot already. It's seen as one of the last untapped countries for resources - oil, tea, gems. It’s got everything really.”

And now, it would seem, skateboarding. In Myanmar, the sport is only just beginning to scratch the surface.

Nasser Al-Attiyah from Gazoo Racing South Africa performs during a t Flavien Duhamel/Red Bull Content Poolest run in Erfoud, Morocco on September 22, 2016

South American country becomes 29th to host iconic event in January.

The 2017 Dakar Rally launches in January with the drivers and riders facing 10,000km of the toughest terrain known to man and machine.

The competitors will start out from Paraguayan capital Asunción on January 2 through to La Paz in Bolivia with Buenos Aires providing the welcome finish line in Argentina on January 14.

Scorching South American summer temperatures, allied with draining high altitudes and the threat of torrential rainstorms will test the elite field to their limits.

The Red Bull Desert Wings squad includes reigning champions Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret of France in the car category and Australian Toby Price, who stormed to 2016 victory on his bike.

Not only that, former champions Carlos Sainz, Cyril Despres and Nasser Al-Attiyah return with ex-rally king Sébastien Loeb looking to impress for Team Peugeot Total in their brand-new car, the fearsome 3008 DKR.

Multi-truck winner Vladimir Chagin will be keen to get back to winning ways too for Kamaz Master Team.

Finally, the 2017 edition will mark Bryce Menzies’ first entry into the Dakar Rally thereby becoming the first American in six years to undertake the legendary race with the backing of a factory team.

He will line up in the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Rally car alongside long-time co-driver Pete Mortensen.

Driver Quotes

Carlos Sainz: “We’ve been improving a number of details for the PEUGEOT 3008 DKR such as suspension and engine drivability: all these things add up to make a difference. We’ve had a couple of tests and we raced in Morocco. We’ve stuck to a very good plan to arrive in the best possible way.”

Stéphane Peterhansel: “We’re coming back with a new car and this time we have the added bonus of air conditioning. Last time we were experiencing temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius in the car so this time it will much more comfortable for the drivers. In addition to this improvement there’s plenty about the PEUGEOT 3008 DKR that will make us a competitive team in 2017.”

Cyril Despres: “All the work on the car has now been done and I have been preparing myself physically for the demands of the Dakar. This year we will spend five days racing at an altitude of over 3,800 metres and this is something I’m not used to. You need to be in shape for a challenge like this.”

Sébastien Loeb: “It’s been another full season combining rallycross and rally-raid commitments. It’s all been enjoyable because I love to discover new challenges and I’m grateful that I’m allowed to do this. The Dakar is the longest race there is and there’s nothing quite like it. I feel much more prepared this time than I did for my debut last time out.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah: “We’re coming back to South America with the intention of winning the 2017 Dakar Rally. We have everything in place in this Toyota team to get the job done. We have the drivers, the co-drivers and great people around us which will allow us to fight for the win.”

Giniel De Villiers: “The Hilux this year is definitely the best Hilux I’ve driven. We’ve made improvements everywhere: engine, suspension, the whole lot. We’re definitely going to go out there and do our best, let's see if we can get to the front.”

Kuba Przygoński: “I learned so much driving a car for the first time at the last Dakar and I still think I can improve a lot. This season I have got much better at judging my speed correctly within a race. I can’t wait to race another Dakar Rally.”

Bryce Menzies: “Competing in the Dakar has been my dream for quite a while. I’ve competed in several events on different terrains and although none of them prepared me for the Dakar 100 percent I feel good with this team and in the car.”

Toby Price: "When the Dakar finishes, the preparations basically begin straight away for the next one. Since January, the thought process has been in place for 2017. I'm going to attack it the same as I did this year. That’s the system that’s working for me and I try not to stress about it too much.”

Matthias Walkner: “At the last Dakar I suffered a big crash and I learned a lot from this. I now know the importance of staying 100 percent focused while racing no matter what type of stage you are riding. The race only ends when the flag falls.”

Sam Sunderland: “The Dakar organisers keep the details of each year’s route close to their chest until the last moment, but from what we’ve heard it’s going to be a pretty tough race. But every Dakar is hard, there’s never an easy one.”

Iván Ramírez: “I think the best advice I have been given is to remain patient throughout the Dakar. You need to assess in each moment if the time is right to go fast or to control your speed. You need to be thinking about what is coming next.”

Hélder Rodrigues: “We have been working hard on the bike this year to make the Yamaha WR450F more competitive than it has been in the past. Now we must back up this work with improved results at the Dakar.”

Vladimir Chagin, Team Kamaz Master captain: “The first thing you notice about the new truck is that the ride is smoother for the people in the cab, for the crew. Whenever we hit a bump the shock doesn't go straight up into the spine as in the cab-over configuration where you're sitting on top of the axle. Here the shock goes into the engine so the impression you get from this vehicle is that you're driving an SUV, only much larger.”

Ignacio Casale: “I’m feeling very calm about the upcoming Dakar and I’m confident I will have the chance to show off my speed and ability during the race. I think this will be a fast race so I’m focused on maintain a good pace for the entire two weeks of the event.”

Ignacio Casale performs in Ritoque, Chile on Nov 16th, 2016.

Sam Sunderland from Red Bull KTM Factory Team poses for a portrait in Erfoud, Morocco on September 20, 2016

Stephane Peterhansel from Team Peugeot Total seen during a test run with the new Peugeot 3008 DKR in Erfoud, Morocco on September 18, 2016

Sebastien Loeb from Team Peugeot Total performs during a test run with the new Peugeot 3008 DKR in Erfoud, Morocco on September 20, 2016

Few weeks ago, in September 2016, PEUGEOT revealed its new racing beast, aiming to retain its Dakar winner's title. After some testing session, in the hands of the 4 famous drivers/co-drivers, it's now time to dress up the combat gear!

The winners Stéphane PETERHANSEL / Jean-Paul COTTRET, then Cyril DESPRES / David CASTERA who took the gold at Silk Way Rally this summer, Carlos SAINZ / Lucas CRUZ 2nd at Morocco Rally and Sébastien LOEB / Daniel ELENA are ready.

On the occasion of Dakar 2017 press conference, this Wednesday November 23rd where the race detailed route will be revealed, the PEUGEOT 3008 DKR will be exposed in its final racing livery, in the colors of partners Total, Red Bull, Sparco and BFGoodrich.

. The 2016 Rallye du Var has gathered a star-studded entry which includes the likes of Gilles Panizzi in an Onyx Racing by Enjolras-run 208T16. . As is frequently the case, the Rallye du Var will bring the 208 Rally Cup to an end and has attracted no fewer than 23 208R2s! . Pepe Lopez has already wrapped up the 2016 title, but the year’s other medals have yet to be decided.

A glittering entry

As the final clash of the French Rally Championship, the Rallye du Var has a tradition of attracting outstanding fields and this year’s event is no exception since several former Peugeot Sport one-make formula contestants are down to compete in the south of France. Their numbers include the 2013 208 Rally Cup winner Kevin Abbring, along with the 2012 Volant 207 victor Jérémi Ancian and the same competition’s 2009 champion Cyril Audirac who has entered a 208T16. The list continues with Stéphane Lefebvre (2012 Volant 207 Junior and 2013 208 Rally Cup winner), while Peugeot Sport WRC stars of the Noughties Gilles Panizzi (208T16, Onyx Racing by Enjolras) and François Delecour are among the weekend’s big attractions. In addition to the cars of Gilles Panizzi and Cyril Audirac, there are 2018T16s, too, for Eric Mauffrey, Dominique Rebout, Quentin Giordano and Florian Bernardi!

Conclusion to a successful fourth season

In 2016, no fewer than 49 drivers will have taken part in the seven rounds of the 208 Rally Cup, including 24 Juniors (less than 23 years old) who have made up half the field to underpin the competition’s appeal to the champions of tomorrow. At the same time, the 208 Rally Cup continues to be an international hit since 24 of this year’s entrants were non-French drivers!

Five drivers hunting for 2016 podium honours

Although Pepe Lopez (Sainteloc Racing) made sure of the 2016 crown thanks to his victory on the recent Rallye des Cardabelles, five drivers are still in contention for the season’s second and third places. William Wagner (PH Sport), who was Lopez’s main challenger this year, has the best chance of securing the silver medal and he will be keen to add a third victory to those already claimed at the Langres and Lozère rounds. Meanwhile, Jérémie Toedtli (CHL Sport Auto) has made evident progress this season and could well end the year on a high note. Andrea Carella is another top-three hopeful and will be hoping to repeat the asphalt form he showed by winning the Rallye d’Antibes. Also still in the frame are local driver Patrick Magnou (Pit Stop) and Quentin Ribaud (CHL Sport Auto) who has scored points on every round during his 208 Rally Cup rookie year. Wagner is the only other driver to have finished every rally in the points to date.

A long list of outsiders for what promise to be a tough event

The Rallye du Var is reputed for its tricky, narrow stages and, at this time of year, bad weather frequently plays a key role. Nothing can therefore be considered as set in concrete and all 23 crews face a challenging three days. In addition to the above drivers, Jean-Baptiste Franceschi, Efren Llarena (Raceseven), Joachim Wagemans (Triman) and Aki Sahila (CHL Sport Auto) can also be expected to provide another glimpse of their skills. Four drivers will be getting their first taste of the 208 Rally Cup on the French Riviera, namely Thomas Jaudel (Pit Stop), Sébastien Bédoret (Pit Stop), Nicolas Socquet (Sainteloc Racing) and Mathieu Autiero (FB Rally).

He repelled a fierce attack from team-mate and world champion Sébastien Ogier, who spun away his victory chances on the dusty Bucca speed test early this morning. Mikkelsen achieved his third career win by 14.9sec over his Polo R colleague.

It wasn’t enough to secure the Norwegian the runner-up position in the drivers’ standings. Third place for Thierry Neuville in this closing round, a further 57.7sec behind in a Hyundai i20, clinched second in the points for the Belgian behind the already-crowned Ogier.

Mikkelsen and Ogier delivered a perfect finale to four years of WRC domination by the German manufacturer. It was the team’s 43rd win from 52 rallies and came after an exciting conclusion in sweltering and dusty New South Wales forests near Coffs Harbour.

Mikkelsen started today under heavy pressure with a slender 2.0sec advantage over Ogier. The Frenchman reduced it to just three-tenths midway through the long Bucca stage before spinning and allowing Mikkelsen to ease through the final three tests.

“This is a perfect end to the season,” said Mikkelsen. “All year consistency and pace was our aim with the championship in mind, but I came here with nothing to lose. I could go flat out and see what we could do.

“We challenged the world champion and beat him fair and square on the same road conditions. It’s my best victory but it’s sad to see this team and the car come to an end.”

Hayden Paddon had an outside chance of victory in third but his i20 swiped a bank and knocked the rear left tyre off the rim.

The time loss promoted Neuville onto the podium and he didn’t need to chase bonus points in the final live TV Power Stage to finish runner-up in the championship.

Paddon’s problems relegated the Kiwi to fifth, but he overhauled team-mate Dani Sordo for fourth by 1.6sec. Mads Østberg couldn’t keep Sordo behind him after dust inside his Ford Fiesta RS impaired visibility and he finished sixth, while team-mate Eric Camilli rolled out of seventh after hitting a bank.

Andreas Mikkelsen on track for win to end his WRC spell with Volkswagen.

He kept world champion Sébastien Ogier and Hayden Paddon at bay during a sweltering day on the shire roads of New South Wales.

However, a bizarre problem in the final country speed test slashed his advantage to just 2.0sec with one day remaining.

His 12.0sec lead was almost erased when his Volkswagen Polo R’s clutch pedal was bent and pushed down on the brake pedal.

Mikkelsen drove more than half the 14.84km stage with the brakes on and conceded 9.2sec to Ogier.

Mikkelsen said, “I cut a corner like I had lots of others. There was a bang and I think a rock must have hit under the car and bent the clutch pedal across the brake.

"I had to drive the rest of the stage with the brakes on. We used a ratchet strap to bend it back into place.”

Failure to win this final round of the FIA World Rally Championship on the German manufacturer’s last appearance would likely see Mikkelsen fall short in his efforts to overhaul Thierry Neuville in their fight for the runners-up position.

Paddon was first to attack Mikkelsen in the opening Nambucca test. The Kiwi relegated Ogier to third after a stirring drive through the 50.80km marathon.

When it was repeated this afternoon Ogier piled on the pressure, demoting Paddon and closing on Mikkelsen before the Norwegian’s drama.

Road opener Ogier was worst affected by thick gravel on the roads this morning. The same tracks were cleaner this afternoon, but with the thermometer climbing above 35˚C tyre wear became an issue for all drivers.

Paddon ended 10.0sec behind Ogier in his Hyundai i20, but team-mate Neuville fell away from the podium battle. The Belgian regretted choosing hard compound tyres when traction was at its worst this morning.

Despite overshooting a junction in hanging dust, Dani Sordo climbed two places to fifth. He relegated Eric Camilli in the opener and Mads Østberg later.

Østberg eyed Neuville’s fourth place but mid-leg set-up changes affected the handling of his Ford Fiesta RS and he fell back.

Sunday’s final leg heads north of Coffs Harbour for the first time. Drivers tackle four tests before the rally-closing live TV Power Stage, with bonus points for the fastest three drivers. The five stages cover 57.18km.

Andfreas Mikkelsen (NOR) performs during the FIA World Rally Championship Australia 2016 in Coffs Harbour on November 17, 2016

Andreas Mikkelsen led Kennards Hire Rally Australia on Friday night after heading the leaderboard for most of a hot and dusty day in New South Wales.

Spurred on by the knowledge that he must win this final round of the FIA World Rally Championship to stand a realistic chance of securing the runners-up spot, Mikkelsen was 15.4sec ahead of Volkswagen Polo R team-mate Sébastien Ogier.

The Norwegian was quickly out of the blocks to win five of the opening six speed tests south of Coffs Harbour. He was 14.2sec clear at mid-leg service and eked out a few extra tenths when the roads were driven again.

It wasn’t all plain sailing as his charge was almost derailed in a bizarre incident. “A water bottle became stuck between my feet. I managed to catch it in a corner but it was a bit scary. I’m happy how the day turned out. We want to be second in the championship so we have to give it everything,” said Mikkelsen.

Thick gravel on the shire roads hampered the early starters, who swept the dirt away to leave a cleaner line for those behind. Third in the order was not ideal for Mikkelsen but he fared better than Ogier, who opened the road.

The world champion trailed in eighth initially, but climbed the order as rivals hit problems. Cleaner roads when the stages were repeated enabled the Frenchman to bounce back and claim second after four stage wins.

Thierry Neuville, Mikkelsen’s main rival for second in the standings, was third in a Hyundai i20. The Belgian struggled with wheelspin on the loose gravel but claimed a stage victory to end 7.1sec behind Ogier.

Hayden Paddon gambled by fitting hard compound tyres to the front of his i20 this morning. It looked a shrewd move when the Kiwi led after the second stage, but it backfired when their performance tailed off. Over-aggressive driving in this afternoon’s heat caused similar problems and he slipped from second to fourth.

Mads Østberg was fifth, despite stalling at the start of SS5, ahead of Ford Fiesta RS team-mate Eric Camilli. Dani Sordo led the chase of Mikkelsen initially but started a stage late after getting lost on the liaison section and a 20sec penalty relegated him to eighth.

Ott Tänak was third until a sticking throttle and a spin in his Fiesta RS relegated him. A 40sec penalty for arriving late at the penultimate stage after being stopped by police completed an unhappy day in eighth. Lorenzo Bertelli and WRC 2 leader Esapekka Lappi finished the leaderboard.

Jari-Matti Latvala was the day’s major victim. He clipped a bridge in the opening stage and broke his Polo R’s rear suspension. He conceded nearly eight minutes limping through the next four tests before repairs could be made.

Saturday’s second leg is the longest and returns to the same area, inland from Nambucca Heads. The highlight is two runs through the monster 50.80km Nambucca test and the seven stages cover 135.19km.

The world’s top Carriage Drivers will be storming back into the Olympia Grand Hall, on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December, with only one intention, to take home the top prize. The record holding six-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Championship winner, Boyd Exell (AUS), will be hoping to defend his 2015 title and extend his lead in the FEI World Cup™ Driving standings, but there are plenty of challengers in the line-up who will be vying to claim the coveted title.

Long-time rival Koos de Ronde (NED) will undoubtedly be one of them having competed in every show since 2011. De Ronde will be entertaining the crowds with his aggressive approach in the four-in-hand, battling it out with Exell and the rest of the field.

This colossal clash also welcomes back home-favourite, Daniel Naprous, lead member of the world-famous Devil’s Horsemen Stunt Team, who will be looking to record his first World Cup Leg victory. Ranked seventh in the world Jozsef Dobrovitz Snr (HUN) will be looking to go one better than his result in 2015, after narrowly missing out on 1st place. His son Jozsef Dobrovitz Jnr (HUN), ranked fifth in the world will be making his debut, adding extra spice as the family rivalry will commence with no holds barred.

Drivers George von Stein (GER) and Theo Timmerman (NED) ranked eighth and ninth in the world respectively, will be looking to make their mark on this nail biting contest, as the entire hall will be treated to an adrenalin fuelled competition. The matter of ultimate success will come down to the smallest of margins, as pace and power must be matched with definitive precision.

World no.1, Boyd Exell, commented; “Olympia always has an enthusiastic crowd and the atmosphere is electric. There is a strong line-up this year, but I hope we can repeat our result from last year.” For more information please visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com.

On November 5, Italian former F1 driver and GT champion will reach this important number in his career during the last round of the VdeV GT/Tourisme challenge when he will share the AF Corse Ferrari 458 GT3 with teammates Cordoni and Zanuttini

Estoril (Portugal), November 4, 2016. Andrea Montermini is about to celebrate the 300th race of his career at the 6 Hours of Estoril, last round of the 2016 VdeV GT/Tourism challenge. Italian former F1 driver and GT champion will reach this important number behind the wheel of the AF Corse Ferrari 458 GT3 shared with teammates Mario Cordoni and Marco Zanuttini, who are still fighting for the championship. The race will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 13:00hrs GMT (14:00hrs in Italy). For the Italian driver from Modena, who claims 28 years of races under the Ferrari brand, the event that will mark his 300th race is expected to be a very demanding commitment given the weather forecast (who are predicting a possible wet race) and the fact that the race will end in the dark right when he will go for the final stint.

Montermini says: “It is not easy for a driver to reach 300 races and, of course, I am very excited and I have to thank my teammates for this special opportunity. After the practice sessions we are confident on a positive result but Saturday will be a very busy day because of the changing weather conditions expected in the qualyfing session and the race”.